KUALA LUMPUR: The proposal to impose action against civil servants who refuse to be vaccinated against COVID-19 is not for punishment, but to raise awareness of the importance of the vaccine in bringing the country out of the pandemic.
Congress of Unions of Employees in the Public and Civil Services (Cuepacs) president Adnan Mat said 98 per cent of civil servants had been vaccinated and the remaining two per cent should not decline the vaccine because they were the executors of government policies.
"In terms of vaccination, Cuepacs is of the view that the government needs to take more steps forward based on the current existing regulations to ensure that all civil servants take vaccines.
"All efforts and awareness campaigns for the COVID-19 vaccination have been done by the government and it should be clearly understood," he said in a statement here today.
Yesterday, the Public Service Department (JPA) said it will submit to the National Security Council (MKN) a proposal on action that can be taken against civil servants who refused to be vaccinated against COVID-19.
JPA in a statement said several options of action and measures would be proposed to MKN, including a directive to make it compulsory for all civil servants to take the vaccine except those who have strong reasons to be exempted on health grounds.
Meanwhile, National Union of the Teaching Profession (NUTP) president Aminuddin Awang said the proposal would give confidence to parents and young people about the reopening of schools.
Currently, there are 480,000 teachers in service and the number of those unvaccinated is not available yet as the vaccination process is still ongoing, he said.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Wed Sep 22 2021
Adnan Mat said the remaining two per cent should not decline the vaccine because they were the executors of government policies. BERNAMA photo
China's hopes to be Ukraine peacemaker collide with its goals on Trump, trade
For the last three years, China has repeatedly signalled a willingness to act as a peacemaker in the war in Ukraine.
Fatty liver disease - A major driver of liver cancer risk in Malaysia
By the time symptoms such as jaundice, abdominal pain and weight loss appear, the cancer may be in its advanced stage.
Trump tightens grip on independent agencies to test limits of presidential power
The order lets the White House shift budget and policies, usually kept at arms length from the president's daily oversight.
INSIGHT - In Russia, dozens of dissenters are held as psychiatric patients
Dozens of Russians face compulsory psychiatric treatment for their political views, say lawyers and human rights groups.
How does space travel affect astronaut health?
Here is an explanation of some of the effects on human health caused by space travel.
Can you distinguish between reality and deepfake?
Currently, Malaysia has no specific laws regulating deepfake technology.
Animated films seek to find a place in best picture Oscar race
Animated filmmakers now aim to be included to the best picture race after being shut out for several years.
Emotional trauma piles up for Ukraine's children three years after invasion
Teachers, psychologists and children are used to living in a state of chronic exhaustion without a clear end in sight, experts say.
Wedding content creation the big thing now for newlyleds
A wedding content creator's success does not rely solely in tech but in capturing emotions and bringing a couples love story to life.
Will Western companies return to Russia?
Easing restrictions could let some companies return to what was once a high-growth market under Trump's administration.
Chatbots pose challenge to guarding child mental health
Developers say AI companions can combat loneliness and improve users' social experiences in a safe space.
With blitz of policies, Trump goes beyond Project 2025's goals
Trump denies ties to Project 2025 but continues reshaping policies through executive power.
Almost half of chronic kidney patients in Malaysia lost their jobs - study
The study raises concerns about the future of chronic kidney patients, especially those who rely on long-term dialysis treatment.
Beware of scam tactics using AI
The drastic development of AI technology is being taken advantage of by scammers to reap huge profits by using various latest tactics.
Fired and rehired - the dizzying confusion of Trump's government overhaul
They have adopted a blunt force approach toward the wholesale firing of workers, often focusing on workers who are easier to fire.
Arab states scramble to counter Trump's Gaza 'Riviera' plan
Arab states trying to devise an alternative plan have yet to tackle critical issues like who will foot the bill for Gaza's reconstruction.
Chinese universities launch DeepSeek courses to capitalise on AI boom
Universities across China have launched artificial intelligence courses this month based on Chinese AI startup DeepSeek.
Astronomers reveal 3D structure of an alien planet's atmosphere
Astronomers find three layers on a scorching gas planet orbiting a star larger and hotter than the sun.
Public flips car involved in road accident to rescue child
According to JBPM, members of the public at the scene took initial action to rescue the victim before the fire brigade arrived.
Ramsay reveals hundreds of lucky cat statues stolen from new restaurant
Gordon Ramsay says about 477 Japanese cat models called maneki-neko were stolen from his Lucky Cat 22 Bishopsgate restaurant.