National athletes, officials to receive Covid jabs in April
PUTRAJAYA: A total of 264 athletes and officials who will be representing Malaysia in international competitions ahead of the Tokyo Olympics in July are expected to get their Covid19 vaccine jabs beginning April, said Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican.
He said this would be the first batch of some 4,000 athletes and officials listed by the Youth and Sports Ministry (KBS) to be given priority for inoculation under the first phase of the National Covid-19 National Immunisation Programme.
He said all these 264 individuals should get their second dose by May to give them the confidence to return to international competitions.
“We hope that by May, these 264 will be successfully vaccinated, meaning they would have gone through the cycle of two doses when July arrives, placing them in a position to compete and be free from Covid19,” he added.
He told reporters this a er witnessing the signing of a partnership agreement between Techninier Sdn Bhd and Impact Integrated at Menara KBS here yesterday.
Reezal Merican said although the International Olympic Commi ee (IOC) had not made vaccination mandatory for those participating in the Tokyo Olympics, inoculation could improve their safety and health.
“We just facilitate the vaccination exercise and there are procedures like filling up forms to be observed, but as mentioned in the National Covid19 Immunisation Programme, inoculation is free and taken on a voluntary basis, not compulsory.
“I am confident that all athletes would opt for vaccination as it can make them far safer,” he added.
Last week, KBS confirmed that the list of 4,000 athletes and officials on priority to get vaccination had been sent to Coordinating Minister for the National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme Khairy Jamaluddin.
On Wednesday, Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin received the first shot of PfizerBioNTech vaccine to kick off the immunisation programme.
The Tokyo Olympics will be held from July 23 to Aug 8. — Bernama
We hope that by May, these 264 will be successfully vaccinated. Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican
KUALA LUMPUR: Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) has launched a programme to create greater awareness and connectivity between green companies and the capital market.
In a statement yesterday, the SC said the NaviGate: Capital Market Green Financing Series seeks to focus on micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and the alternative capital market financing avenues available through equity crowdfunding (ECF) and peer-to-peer (P2P) financing.
A total of 100 participants and 40 MSMEs from the green technology and sustainable energy sectors in Malaysia participated in the first edition of NaviGate, held virtually yesterday, connecting them to ECF and P2P financing platforms.
ECF and P2P financing offer MSMEs alternatives to traditional financing mechanisms; providing smaller-scale financing options to address their financing needs.
The SC’s Green Financing Survey conducted last year highlighted the high demand for smaller-scale financing options and the untapped financing opportunities within the green MSME segment.
SC chairman Datuk Syed Zaid Albar said total funds raised through these financing platforms since 2016 reached RM1.3 billion as at end-December 2020, benefiting around 3,000 MSMEs.
“A number of companies have accessed ECF and P2P financing to fund their green projects and businesses such as solar power, waste management, and energy efficiency.
“The government recognised the significant role MSMEs play in contributing towards the country’s growth, job creation and innovation, and has allocated an additional RM30 million and RM50 million in Budget 2021 for ECF and P2P investments respectively, through the Malaysia Co-Investment Fund,” he said.
According to the SC, NaviGate demonstrates its continued emphasis in fostering capital market inclusivity and in facilitating the acceleration of the sustainable and responsible investment (SRI) agenda for the Malaysian capital market, complementing the initiatives undertaken by Capital Markets Malaysia.
The inaugural NaviGate session is supported by the Malaysian Green Technology and Climate Change Centre, as well as the Sustainable Energy Development Authority.
MSMEs wishing to participate in the next NaviGate programme can submit their interest to NaviGate@seccom.com.my.
More information on SRI initiatives and alternative financing platforms can be obtained from the SC’s website, www.sc.com.my.
A number of companies have accessed ECF and P2P financing to fund their green projects and businesses such as solar power, waste management, and energy efficiency. Datuk Syed Zaid Albar