KUALA LUMPUR – The cabinet has decided for Malaysia to join Covax, a global initiative supported by the World Health Organisation (WHO), to ensure fair and equitable access to the Covid-19 vaccine.
The country will also join the Global Alliance on Vaccines and Immunisation (Gavi) in a bid to ensure that 10% of Malaysians receive the coronavirus vaccine as soon as it is available.
Covax is co-led by Gavi, the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations, and WHO.
Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Khairy Jamaluddin told the Dewan Rakyat today that the cabinet came to these decisions on October 14, and has entrusted the Health Ministry with spearheading the efforts.
“The Attorney-General’s Chambers has been tasked with studying the terms and conditions of joining Gavi.
“On November 13, the cabinet decided that Malaysia will join Covax through the Health Ministry, and signed the optional purchase agreement (for the vaccine).
“Malaysia’s decision to join this facility will involve an upfront payment of US$22,656,200, or around RM94.08 million.”
He added that this is part of the Perikatan Nasional administration’s multi-pronged approach to give the country more options instead of relying on bilateral relationships to obtain the vaccine.
Later, Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh (PH-Ledang) asked the Prime Minister’s Department about the government’s efforts to curb the spread of the virus among foreign construction workers living in cramped dormitories.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Special Functions) Datuk Seri Mohd Redzuan Md Yusof told the House that the matter is being discussed with the Human Resources Ministry and relevant agencies.
“The National Security Council meeting yesterday took comprehensive steps to tackle the issue and study the needs of foreign construction workers.
“These include upgrading their accommodation and (determining) how their movements can be controlled.
“Covid-19 screening mechanisms and monitoring aspects will be stepped up to ensure that the spread of the virus at workers’ dorms can be curbed.” – The Vibes, November 19, 2020
