Masing: Allow Sarawak to purchase its own vaccine
KUCHING: Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Datuk Amar Dr James Masing calls on the federal government to come up with a policy to regulate the procurement, sales and use of Covid-19 vaccine in Malaysia.
He said the rolling out of vaccine to Sarawak by the Health Ministry is not fast enough as the state wants to create herd immunity as soon as possible, and thus suggested that Sarawak, other states and big conglomerates be allowed to purchase the recommended vaccine from any international sources.
“The demand to be vaccinated is more than supply. We have the fund, please allow us to use it for the sake of our people,” he said in a statement yesterday.
These vaccines must be put under ‘controlled item list’, and put a cap on the price. Any body who disobeys the rulings must be penalised, he said.
He added that recognised clinics or pharmacies in Malaysia must be allowed to purchase and sell vaccine to those who want it.
“Economic gain must not be the factor of the federal government when making this decision. People’s health must take precedence above economics consideration.
“We must bear in mind that tough times require tough decisions.”
He added that once the rules are in force, Malaysia may be able to flatten the curve and the Covid-19 menace contained.
“The US has done it with their warp speed rolling of the vaccine. Now, the use of face mask in the US is no longer mandatory. If the US with over 200 million population can do it, there is no reason why Sarawak with 2.8 million can’t,” he added.