GEORGE TOWN – Almost a year after Malaysia’s Covid-19 inoculation roll-out, almost all workers in both the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) and Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) are fully vaccinated.
Of the 6,965 workers, two have not received their vaccination appointments, while 30 have not registered to be vaccinated against the virus.
State Housing, Local Government and Town and Country Planning exco Jagdeep Singh Deo told The Vibes that this small number consists of those who cannot get vaccinated due to health reasons and those who do not want to get jabbed.
Workers had been given time until November 1, 2021, to get their vaccines.
He said today that the government takes the matter seriously. Either disciplinary action or termination of service may be imposed on those who have not registered without good reason.
However, it takes time to take action as there is a process to adhere to. The councils will need to get an updated status before they send notices to the identified staff members.
Both councils are currently looking at getting all workers be injected with booster shots, he added
So far, 861 staff members have received the boosters. However, Jagdeep did not disclose the timeline on when all staff need to complete this process, stating that it is just at the beginning stage.
He assured that they will work out a plan to ensure priority is given to all council workers as their jobs are high risk during Covid-19 times.
The public vaccination rate in Penang is now at 86.1%, with 44.8% of its population boosted.
A medical source said that though cases have increased during the past few days, the number being admitted to the intensive care unit for the virus remains low. – The Vibes, February 4, 2022
