DHL delivers first batch of COVID-19 vaccines to Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR: DHL Express has successfully delivered the first batch of COVID-19 vaccines to Malaysia.

The express service provider said rigorous planning and testing were undertaken to ensure supply chains support the vaccine's stringent temperature requirements.

"From door-to-door in just three days, DHL Express worked with Malaysia Aviation Group's cargo subsidiary, MABkargo Sdn Bhd to fly the vaccines in and subsequently arranged for them to be sent directly to designated facilities across Kuala Lumpur," it said in a statement on Sunday.

It said one of the key challenges faced in the shipment of the COVID-19 vaccine is the stringenttemperature requirements of the vaccine.

The vaccine was delivered in specially designed thermal shipper packaging customised by the manufacturer.

Each shipment was packed with dry ice to regulate the temperature, enabling its use in locations that lack the physical infrastructure to otherwise maintain the required temperature.

Temperature trackers equipped with sophisticated GPS technology are also packed within each thermal shipper box to provide full visibility throughout the shipment's entire journey.

DHL Express Asia Pacific chief executive officer Ken Lee said: "No effort is spared in ensuring that our well-established DHL Medical Express solution adheres to the stringent requirements of speed, quality, security, and reliability when it comes to transporting these precious cargo."

Meanwhile, DHL Express Malaysia and Brunei managing director Julian Neo said as COVID-19 continues to devastate lives and livelihoods, the vaccines represent hope for a better 2021.

"Organising their distribution to so many people in such a short time will be an extremely complex operation that we are well-equipped and proud to contribute to," he added.

-- BERNAMA