KUCHING: The state government has assured that all Sarawakians will have access to Covid-19 vaccine once it is available.
Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Seri Prof Dr Sim Kui Hian said the vaccine will come in batches with the first batch expected in the first quarter of next year.
This has been announced by Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin who stated that the last batch would be received by end of the year.
“At the same time, there several new vaccines coming out so we need the medical experts to guide us as to how to get some of them.
“Are they measuring the same thing? Certain vaccines may not be effective for certain age group,” he said when fielding questions from reporters after attending a function at the National Kidney Foundation (NKF) — Kidney Association Sarawak (KAS)/Rotary Dialysis Centre in Jalan Tun Ahmad Zaidi Adruce here today.
On Friday (Nov 27), the prime minister has announced that the government has inked an early purchase deal with pharmaceutical company Pfizer to obtain a supply of 12.8 million doses of the Covid-19 vaccine for 20 percent or 6.4 million Malaysians.
Dr Sim said although a huge percentage of Sarawakians may miss out at the current rate, the chief minister had promised that every Sarawakian who is not contraindicated will have free Covid-19 vaccination.
“Although health is a federal list for the moment, the state government will do what is necessary to ensure that no Sarawakian would be left behind in having access to the vaccine.
“After all, this involves Sarawakians’ lives,” he added.
