KUCHING: The Sarawak government is working closely with the Ministry of Health Malaysia (MoH) to facilitate the vaccination programme for the state.
Local Government and Housing Minister, Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian said the state government is adjusting the national vaccination programme to suit Sarawak better.
He pointed out that the lack of medical resources and facilities in Sarawak were motivating factors in speeding up the vaccination programme for the state.
“We are working together with MoH but we want to adjust the programme to suit Sarawak best. This is because if we follow the national programme, vaccination is expected to finish by February next year.
“Sarawak does not have the medical resources and facilities like in West Malaysia. How many intensive care units (ICU) bed do we have in Kapit? This is why the only way to protect and make sure that Sarawakians are safe is by getting them vaccinated as soon as possible.
“When we have at least 70 percent of Sarawakians vaccinated to form a herd immunity, I am very sure that our Covid-19 cases will go down,” he added.
Dr Sim said that the vaccination would also help to reduce the risk of transmission and infection hence the state government was set on completing the vaccination programme by August this year.
“The purpose of vaccination is to reduce the chances of getting infected. Even if you get infected after being vaccinated, you will not get to stage five straight but perhaps stage one or two which is mild, and you can recover from it.
“We do not want a scenario whereby you will only be vaccinated because you have money. We want every Sarawakian regardless of financial status and especially those who are in the high-risk group to be vaccinated,” he said.
Meanwhile, he urged the public to not simply believe fake news that manifest unnecessary fears about the vaccination.
He said that those who are circulating the fake news do not have the knowledge or expertise on the matter.
“These people have evil intentions and they are risking the lives of Sarawakians. If the scientists and medical experts are saying that it is safe to get vaccinated, do you want to listen to someone who has no idea what they are talking about?
“There are millions of people who have been vaccinated and people who are waiting to be vaccinated. If it is unsafe to get vaccinated, do you think the whole world would continue with its vaccination programme?
“We are all human beings regardless of where you are in this world. The virus attacks anyone even the doctors, nurses, police and firemen. We want fellow Sarawakians to be safe and for us to have a herd immunity,” he said.
