SINGAPORE:A number of Malaysians working in Singapore have started receiving the Pfizer BioNTech vaccine.
Those who received the injection are mostly working in the sector that is given priority to receive the vaccine in this republic.
Some of them started sharing the experience of taking the injection on the Malaysian-Singapore Border Crossers Facebook page, which now has almost 82,000 members.
According to Imra Astata Ibrahim, who works in the marine sector, he took the first injection on Jan 13 and will take the second dose after 21 days.
When contacted by Bernama, Imra Astata, 40, who is renting a room in Jurong West here, said he did not hesitate to get the vaccine with 10 of his Malaysian colleagues.
In fact, the father of three has high hopes that by getting vaccinated, it will be easier for him to travel back and forth to Johor as before.
"Who knows there will be an understanding between the two countries to facilitate the movement of commuters for workers who have received this vaccine," he said.
Imra Astata only returned to the republic on Sept 24, 2020 after strict measures at both borders were introduced in March last year to curb the COVID-19 pandemic.
Asked if there were any effects after taking the vaccine, Imra Astata said before taking it, he and his colleagues had been informed of the possible side effects.
"So far my friends and I are healthy after taking the jab. Only on the first day I did feel a slight numb and pain at the injection area,” said Imra Astata, who hails from Johor.
The Singapore government has made provision for all Singaporeans and long-term residents in Singapore to get vaccinated by end-2021, if there are no unforeseen disruptions to vaccine shipments.
Singapore received the first shipment of Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine on Dec 21.
To ensure accessibility of the vaccine and enable the republic to achieve a higher rate of inoculation for the population, this vaccination will be free.
According to the republic’s Ministry of Health, as of Jan 12, 2021, more than 6,200 individuals have received their first dose of the vaccine here.
These numbers are expected to rise substantially in the coming weeks as it continues to ramp up its vaccination operations, it said.
In line with the recommendations by the Expert Committee on COVID-19 Vaccination to prioritise vaccinations of groups that are most at risk, Singapore has begun vaccinating healthcare workers progressively from Dec 30, 2020.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Sun Jan 17 2021
Those who received the injection are mostly working in the sector that is given priority to receive the vaccine in this republic. REUTERS pic
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.