Homeless in Kuala Terengganu want to be vaccinated too

KUALA TERENGGANU: They may be homeless, but they know they have a role to play to ensure the country can achieve herd immunity against COVID-19.

Amran Yusof, 32, who has been taking shelter at the Kuala Terengganu City Council (MBKT) bus terminal since 2012, for one, said he wouldn't mind getting vaccinated.

"I know about COVID-19, I saw the news on the television, in newspapers. I am worried too. I do hope that the authorities will not forget us the homeless in the vaccination programme.

"Furthermore, I have kidney problems and still have to walk two kilometres to the Sultanah Nur Zahirah Hospital for follow-up treatment. I will try to ask for the vaccine during my next appointment," he said.

Amran was one of the 10 homeless people met at the food aid distribution programme organised by the Terengganu Social Community Association at the bus terminal last night.

His sentiment was shared by Zulika Saleh, 43, who is also prepared to be vaccinated to avoid the risk of COVID-19.

"The vaccine is important as a prevention measure. I saw on television at the bus terminal that our leaders have been urging the people to wear a face mask and to always wash our hands.

"Every time people came and gave us food, they will remind us about the same thing. They gave us face masks to wear. I have given my identity card number to them to register me for vaccination. Once they get the date, they said they will inform me," said the homeless man from Marang.

Shahrul Mansor, 32, on the other hand, admitted that he would only take the jab if the other homeless people at the bus terminal were vaccinated too.

"If everybody here gets vaccinated, I'll join the queue...if it's just me, I don't want," said the man who had been living at the bus terminal since last year.

-- BERNAMA