PUTRAJAYA: The COVID-19 vaccination exercise for the media, which began today, will be expanded nationwide to ensure more than 4,000 media personnel in the list of recipients receive their shots, Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah said.
"I am grateful to YB Khairy Jamaluddin (Coordinating Minister of the COVID-19 National Immunisation Programme) and Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba (Minister of Health) for focusing on the media.
"At the same time, media personnel who already have vaccination appointments secured, do not skip (the appointment). You don't have to wait for the media group vaccination exercise," he said when witnessing the first group of 98 media personnel receive their COVID-19 vaccine first dose at Dewan Seri Seroja here today.
Asked on the call by the National Union of Journalists of Peninsular Malaysia (NUJM) for media personnel who have yet to be vaccinated to refrain from going for any field reporting or coverage in public places, Saifuddin said he had received NUJ's letter and will be looking into the matter.
"I will bring this matter to be discussed with Yang Berhormat Khairy Jamaluddin and Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba. I do understand the need," he said.
Saifuddin said the Ministry of Communications and Multimedia (KKMM) had requested for media personnel to be given priority for vaccination as they were active in the field, similar to other frontliners as well.
"But I do understand that the Covid-19 Vaccine Supply Access Guarantee Special Committee have their own way of doing things," he said.
Meanwhile, on the police report lodged over the "All Together Now Malaysia" programme aired by private broadcaster Astro recently, he said the ministry has asked the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) to investigate the matter.
Saifuddin said he was informed that the recording was done before the first phase of the Movement Control Order (MCO) 3.0 was enforced, and that the recording session had been approved by the National Film Development Corporation (Finas).
"So, in terms of timing, recording is allowed, and there is approval as well.
"It is just that MCMC will now investigate if there had been standard operating procedure (SOP) violations during the recording process. Astro has decided to postpone the programme and I think that is a good decision," he said.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Wed Jun 09 2021
The COVID-19 vaccination exercise for the media, which began today, will be expanded nationwide to ensure more than 4,000 media personnel in the list of recipients, Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah said. - BERNAMApic
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.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.