KUCHING: Sarawak targets to vaccinate at least 50 per cent of children aged between five and 11 in the state by the end of February.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said this was important to ensure that the children got protected.
He said that the response from Sarawakians had been encouraging.
“I thank parents who have allowed their children to get vaccinated because this is one way for us to reduce COVID-19 cases and increase antibodies among our children.
“Some parents are still hesitant about vaccinating their children. I hope they would allow their children to be vaccinated sooner or later,” he said at a press conference during his visit to Kota Sentosa Health Clinic on Saturday (Feb 12) to survey the implementation of the National COVID-19 Immunisation Programme for Kids (PICKids).
“Today, we have 308 children from two schools – SJK(C) Chung Hua Stampin and SJK(C) Chung Hua Pangkalan Baru – being vaccinated here,” he said.
“If this (PICKids) is successful, which I believe it will be, our children can go to school safely and our school sessions can proceed as normal,” he said.
Abang Johari said this would benefit children as they could go to school without interruption. Therefore, he urged parents to allow their kids to get vaccinated.
“We have to do it. So far, in Malaysia, I think we have done quite well,” he said.
He then thanked all parties involved in PICKids such as the Health Ministry (MOH), Education Ministry (MOE), doctors, teachers, and so on, adding that the programme to vaccinate children would be carried out statewide.
Also present during the visit were deputy chief ministers Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian, Deputy State Secretary (Rural Transformation) Datuk Ik Pahon Joyik, and others.
