‘Find out why people do not want to get vaccinated’

KOTA KINABALU: The government should determine the reasons people do not want to get vaccinated and take proactive measures to reach out to eligible vaccine recipients who have yet to register for the National Covid-19 Immunization Programme (NIP).

Kota Kinabalu Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KKCCCI) president Datuk Michael Lui said the government must do their best to convince those who were eligible to get vaccinated.

He said some individuals might be unwilling to take the Covid-19 vaccine jab due to their health issues or religious reasons, which were acceptable.

Indeed, he said the government’s move to ease restrictions for those who were fully vaccinated had motivated the public to get inoculated, especially people who were previously hesitant to do so.

Lui said that when commenting on Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin on the low turnout at vaccination centres (PPV) nationwide.

He said 93.3 per cent of the adult population in Malaysia had received their first dose of vaccine and 78.8 per cent had completed their inoculation.

In other words, he said most of the adult population in states with high vaccination rate have been inoculated, therefore it was not unusual for PPV to have zero vaccination appointment.

As of September 19, he said 69 per cent of the adults in Sabah have received one dose of vaccine and only 54.8 per cent have taken two doses, which was lagging behind the national vaccination rate.

“We urge the Health Ministry to mobilize its manpower, vaccines and resources to Sabah to speed up the inoculate rate here, particularly in the remote areas.”

Lui said the Covid-19 pandemic would not end unless people worldwide have been vaccinated.

He implored the people to get vaccinated as soon as possible.

“Vaccines could have an efficacy rate up to 85 to 95 per cent against Covid-19, and prevent one from severe illnesses if infected.”

He said the people must take precautionary measures because the virus was spreading within the community, and had caused family tragedies and massive impact on the economy and healthcare system.

“The people must protect themselves and in doing so, will protect their loved ones against Covid-19.”