THE government said it will meet with international organisations and local civil society groups to ensure that undocumented migrants will get their Covid-19 vaccines without fear of summary detention, said Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Khairy Jamaluddin.

“We want them to trust the process without fear of detention,” said Khairy during a press conference this morning, adding that the UNCHR was among the organisations with which the government intended to hold discussions.

Previously, Khairy said the government had secured enough vaccines for more than 80% of the population.

Khairy also said that the vaccine will be given for free to anyone residing in the country, including migrant workers, refugees and expatriates.

The first batch of 312,390 doses of the vaccine arrived on flight MH604, a MAS Kargo Airbus A330-300, at 10.07am this morning at Kuala Lumpur International Airport.

Last year, the government was heavily criticised for rounding up thousands of undocumented migrants, including refugees, during the first phase of the movement control order despite giving public assurances to the contrary.

There are about 2 million registered migrant workers in Malaysia, with a further 3 million believed to be living here illegally.

Last week, a statement by the special committee on Covid-19 vaccination said all foreigners in the country will receive Covid-19 vaccines for free. – February 21, 2021.