‘Mandatory vaccination a move in the right direction’

KUALA LUMPUR: The government’s proposal to make vaccination mandatory for children has received support from religious leaders.

They said it was a move in the right direction as it not only saved the lives of children, but also protected the community.

Federal Territories mufti Datuk Seri Dr Zulkifli Mohamad AlBakri said vaccination was in line with the principle of maqasid syariah in Islam as it aimed to preserve human life.

“Vaccination has been proven to prevent diseases. It is our responsibility and obligation as Muslims to ensure our environment is free from diseases.

“Hence, scheduled vaccinations for children under the National Immunisation Programme should be made compulsory.

“Parents and guardians who do not vaccinate their children are sinful as the children can get infected with diseases.”

Buddhist chief high priest of Malaysia Datuk K. Sri Dhammaratana said the move to make vaccination compulsory was necessary to protect children from life-threatening diseases.

He said from the Buddhist point of view, there was no restriction to vaccination.

“We recommend vaccination to be given to children as early as possible, to strengthen their immune system, hence protecting them from life-threatening diseases.”

Catholic Research Centre in Kuala Lumpur director Dr Clarence Devadass, when contacted, said: “It is quite subjective (to make vaccination mandatory) since the principle here is not about personal choices, but about the common good.

“Although parents may have the right to choose (in this context), it is not only about a personal choice but a choice that also affects the community.

“The Catholic’s position is that vaccination is a moral good.

“It is good for patients and it has benefited society greatly.

“We have a duty as responsible citizens to protect the common good and to immunise ourselves and our children against communicable diseases.”