PUTRAJAYA: There has been no wastage of the COVID-19 vaccine in Malaysia, said Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin.
Speaking on vaccine inequity, he said Malaysia currently uses COVID-19 vaccine stocks that are available in the country just to make sure more people are vaccinated.
"That is why we have not announced (COVID-19) vaccine third doses for everyone, I think it would be not fair to announce it when there are countries who have not even given the first dose," said Khairy in a press conference on COVID-19 here today.
He said in case the ministry wants to defer the delivery of vaccine supplies, vaccine manufacturers contracted to the Health Ministry (MOH) will be informed so that they can send them to other countries first.
Separately, Khairy said the national panel of medical and health experts was developing guidelines for the implementation of the third dose vaccine shots as announced earlier, to be given once 80 per cent of adults in the country are vaccinated.
He said details on the matter would be presented at the next meeting of the Covid-19 Vaccine Supply Access Guarantee Special Committee (JKJAV).
Priority for the COVID-19 third dose will first focus on high-risk groups such as health frontliners, immunocompromised patients, elderly with comorbidities and individuals living or working in long-term care facilities.
The third dose can increase the immunity levels of individuals at high risk for COVID-19 infection, he said.
Meanwhile, a booster shot is given to all individuals to increase immunity levels which may have decreased after the second dose.
On discrimination against certain types of vaccines in some countries, Khairy urged the United Nations (UN) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) to make a fair and just ruling on the matter as all vaccine production has been WHO approved.
"I was informed there are some countries that stipulate that only individuals who receive certain types of vaccines will be exempted from COVID-19 detection tests before departure, undergoing quarantine upon arrival and so on.
"Such things should not happen because it is important for us to understand that vaccines protect individuals from the risk of getting more serious infections and reduce symptoms of the disease," he said.
Khairy said a decision on whether flexibility is given to travelers from abroad must be made based on disease control and prevention as well as public health measures in the country and not based on the type of vaccine.
"This will defeat the purpose of having the vaccine and administering them to the population. Discriminating the type of vaccine will only discourage innovation in manufacturing vaccines," he said.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Fri Sep 24 2021
Khairy said there has been no wastage of the COVID-19 vaccine in Malaysia as the country currently uses COVID-19 vaccine stocks that are already available. - Astro AWANI
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.