Malaysia needs to pay RM94.08 million to join COVAX facility - Khairy

KUALA LUMPUR: The government estimates the payment of RM94.08 million for Malaysia's participation in the COVAX initiative, the Dewan Rakyat was told today.

Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Khairy Jamaluddin said the payment would include advance payment and risk sharing guarantee.

The Rembau MP said Malaysia's participation in the COVAX facility would guarantee the supply of vaccines for 10 per cent of the Malaysian population.

"After the review process, the Cabinet decided on November 13 that Malaysia through the MOH to finalise participation in the COVAX facility by signing the 'optional purchase agreement'.

Currently, MOH and Gavi are finalising a date to sign the agreement and this decision will involve costs including advance payment and risk sharing guarantee worth RM94 million," he said.

According to him, the guarantee of early access to the supply of COVID-19 vaccine is important to protect Malaysians from viruses and revitalize the country's economy when vaccination is a condition for movement and communication globally.

He said Malaysia's participation in the COVAX facility would guarantee the supply of vaccines for 10 per cent of the Malaysian population.