HELP NATION RECOVER
AS the country prepares to roll out Phase Two of the Covid-19 vaccination programme, the PM urges Malaysians to bolster current low registration numbers as the pace of economic recovery hinges on the success of the immunisation plan.
THE pace of Malaysia’s economic recovery hinges on the success of the Covid-19 vaccination plan, said Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.
Repeating the call for Malaysians to sign up for the National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme (NIP), he said there was a correlation between the vaccination rollout and economic recovery.
“Based on observations, almost all economic sectors have opened and resumed operations.”
Economic activities were picking up speed amid the new normal as the vaccination plan was being implemented, he said.
“This is what we are hoping to see in the next few months, with the economy expected to improve and gross domestic product growth projected at between six and 7.5 per cent.”
He said this at the launch of the Tan Sri Muhyiddin Charity Golf (TSMCG) Blood Donation Drive 2021 at Mid Valley Megamall here yesterday.
He said up to Friday, 7.6 million people had registered for the vaccination through the MySejahtera application.
The number, however, was still relatively small compared with Malaysia’s population of some 33 million people, he said.
On the blood donation drive, Muhyiddin, who is TSMCG Foundation founder, said the two-day programme, which ends today, was part of continuous collaborations between TSMCGF, the National Blood Centre (PDN) and IGB Real Estate Investment Trust aimed at getting 500 blood donors.
“Blood supplies at PDN and blood banks nationwide have dropped, while there is an increase in demand. The country needs at least 2,000 bags of blood for 1,000 patients daily.
“In the Klang Valley, PDN needs 500 to 600 bags of blood a day. I urge everyone to donate blood here (TSMCG Foundation’s blood drive) or any PDN nationwide to help save the lives of patients and subsequently, improve the community’s wellbeing.”
He said blood donors were deemed as frontliners for their willingness to sacrifice their time and energy to contribute to society, especially during a time when the country was fighting the Covid-19 pandemic.
Muhyiddin thanked non-governmental organisations and charity bodies that conducted similar programmes for the public.
He urged Malaysians to donate blood periodically as part of a healthy way of life.
“To visitors at Mid Valley Megamall, please drop by to donate blood. Your commitment and sacrifice are appreciated. I would also like to urge volunteers to help those who have yet to register for the NIP by providing explanation and assisting them in registering through MySejahtera.”