100,000 Malaysians working in S’pore to get vaccine next

PONTIAN: About 100,000 Malaysians working in Singapore are expected to be among vaccine recipients under phase two of the National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme.

Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Hasni Mohammad said the matter was agreed upon by the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry and would be implemented in stages.

“The ministry has agreed to give the vaccine earlier to those working in Singapore.

“We know there are about 400,000 Malaysians who work in Singapore every day, but for the initial stage, the ministry has agreed that 100,000 will receive the vaccine.”

He said this after the launch of the Johor Farmers Organisation (PPNJ) — All Cosmos Industries Mentor-Mentee Programme here.

Hasni said a registration system for the purpose was being developed by the ministry.

“Under the second phase, these workers are eligible to be vaccinated. This include not only the vulnerable, but also those with comorbidities and those aged 80 and above.”

He said he hoped the move would restore and stimulate the state’s economy, including the service, manufacturing and education sectors, once the border reopened.

He urged people in the state to register for the vaccine.

In another development, he said the state government was also committed to ensuring the success of the Food Supply Guarantee Programme through the mentor-mentee programme carried out in collaboration with PPNJ and All Cosmos Industries.

He said All Cosmos Industries had allocated RM400,000 for the programme to help produce more agricultural entrepreneurs.

“This effort is encouraged because Johor has the potential to become a food producer, especially the country’s largest fruit producer.”