Villagers responding well to vaccination programme

KOTA KINABALU: Some 1,400 villagers from 20 villages in the subdistrict of Saga have received their first dose of Sinovac vaccine.

Deputy State Secretary Masnah Matsalleh said the villagers were increasingly responsive towards the Covid-19 vaccination programme, which was vital to curb the spread of the virus that has claimed many lives worldwide.

“We thank everyone who has rendered their cooperation in making the outreach programme a success.

“The villagers here have shown encouraging response towards vaccination programme and we expect more will receive their first jab today,” she said to the media during the Covid-19 Immunization Task Force (CITF) outreach programme at Dewan Terbuka Kg Saga on Saturday.

She said the CITF outreach programme in every district would be implemented more frequently to facilitate the administration of vaccine to the people.

Masnah said the Covid-19 vaccine registration in Sabah had reached 33.1 per cent as of last Friday, which showed an increase due to promotional programmes and campaigns.

Meanwhile, Sapin Sakun, 61, a retired government servant from Kg Saga Laut was relieved after receiving his first dose of vaccine.

“I have prepared myself by getting enough sleep, drank lots of water and had breakfast before getting vaccinated today.”

Another vaccine recipient, Ramlah Ng Bungiat, 68, from Kg Pallsabrang was confident that the vaccination programme would be well received by the villagers.

“Don’t be afraid to get vaccinated to protect yourself and family.

“I believe the vaccine will put an end to the Covid-19 pandemic.”

Also present were Information Department Sabah director Nadzerah Abdullah, Sabah State National Security Council director Sharifah Sitti Saleha Habib Yussof, Information Department Sabah deputy director Harun Maddasa, district officer Sungkim Rumangun and Tenom health officer Dr Francesca Primus Chew.

We thank everyone who has rendered their cooperation in making the outreach programme a success. The villagers here have shown encouraging response towards vaccination programme and we expect more will receive their first jab today.

Masnah Matsalleh