KUCHING: Once the Covid-19 vaccine is available in the state, the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) will be left to determine the priority order of vaccine recipients.
“I leave it to SDMC to decide who will receive the vaccine first because usually, the vulnerable groups will be prioritised,” said Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.
He was officiating at a ceremony for the handover of Sarawakku Sayang Special Assistance (BKSS) held today at Majma Mall here.
“Senior citizens and frontliners will be prioritised and then the people,” he said.
The state government had decided to provide free Covid-19 vaccines for Sarawakians as the price of the vaccine is expected to be RM77 per shot and two doses would be required.
“This does not count the cost of delivery yet. If the vaccine comes to Sarawak, it needs to be in a special refrigerated container below -70 degrees Celsius.
“So this cost we do not know yet — but our government is prepared to calculate the cost that we will face. With the state government, led by me, the people come first,” he said.
Abang Johari pointed out that the state government prioritised the health of the people, including covering the cost of quarantine for Sarawakians returning to the state.
“The hotel and food have to be paid for and all this is borne by the state government. Until today, the cost has reached more or less RM100 million,” he said.
He said such measures were implemented to curb the spread of Covid-19 in Sarawak.
At the same time, he thanked the frontliners for their efforts in combating Covid-19 and also the people for their cooperation and for adhering to the standard operating procedures (SOPs) implemented.
