By Natasha Jee & Noor Syahhira Hady
KUCHING: Most people agree that the government should take action against persons who have registered but failed to turn up for their Covid-19 vaccination.
They said as such persons had chosen to be vaccinated under the nationwide programme, hence it would not be fair to those who were waiting in line.
On Feb 26, the Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said action might be taken against those who fail to attend the appointment to take the Covid-19 vaccine without reasonable grounds.
He said this was to make sure that the vaccine would not go to waste as the diluted Covid-19 Pfizer-BionTech vaccine could not be stored to be used on other days due to its shelf life of not more than six hours.
The following are what the public have to say on the matter.
David Hii, Sarawak Community Policing Association (SCPA) secretary
I agree with the stance of Dr Noor Hisham. The vaccine is in limited supply and there is currently a global demand for it. If there are people who registered and did not turn up for the vaccination without any reason, it will ultimately be wasted and no good will come out of this, and their actions would result in severe inconvenience and wastage of the vaccine. This would also be unfair to those people who really want to be vaccinated.
Connie Tan, CanHOPE area manager and counsellor for East Malaysia
Well, if one did not turn up for their shots, then it should be deployed to others who are in need immediately. The vaccine is very important, and we must take it if we want to get back to our usual life. Therefore, it is hoped that there would not be any issue of those who are supposed to be there for the vaccine when it is their turn.
Arnida Mohan, 32, Private sector employee
I strongly agree that those who were selected to get the vaccine but ended up not showing without valid reasons should have action taken against them. This is because the government has worked so hard on this immunisation programme for the citizens to be vaccinated and it would be a selfish act if someone simply decides not to turn up.
Mollie Toh, 25, Social work studies graduate
I agree with the decision made by Dr Noor Hisham to take action on people who did not show up for the vaccine. I believe there are many ways or actions that can be taken against people who do not turn up for the vaccine including charging them. My advice to the public is to carefully read the articles regarding vaccines from the government if they are unsure about its validity. Getting vaccinated gives us hope in breaking the Covid-19 chain.
Errysha Zaffira, 21, Student
Actions should be taken against those who do not take this vaccine as they will cause a waste of vaccines that have been provided by the government. Those who do not take the vaccine should be subject to legal action and be fined. The public should believe in the government and take the vaccines so that Covid-19 can be disposed of as soon as possible.
Ezza Azzira, 27, Agrobank executive
I agree that action be taken as the vaccination is a good initiative to combat Covid-19. I advise the public to help the government and also the health ministry to fight the virus and also free us, Malaysians from this pandemic by taking the vaccine.
