MALAYSIA will study the contents of the AstraZeneca vaccine, following a ruling by Indonesia’s Ulema Council that the vaccine is haram (forbidden).

“We will be studying the trail of ingredients or components in the vaccine and we will be issuing our position soon,” said co-ordinating minister for the national Covid-19 immunisation programme, Khairy Jamaluddin.

Indonesia’s highest Muslim clerical council said on Friday that the vaccine is “haram” because “trypsin from the pork pancreas” is used in its manufacturing process.

However, the council also said the use of the vaccine is permissible due to the urgent need for immunisation and the lack of halal alternatives.

AstraZeneca Indonesia director Rizman Abudaeri has defended the vaccine, saying no pork-derived items or other animal products were used in its making.

“At all stages of the production process, this virus vector vaccine does not use nor come in contact with pork-derived products or other animal products,” Abudaeri said.

Meanwhile, Malaysia is expected to take delivery of the vaccine developed by the Anglo-Swedish pharmaceuticals company. Khairy said the delivery schedule will be known next week.

AstraZeneca previously told The Malaysian Insight that the first dose of the vaccine is expected to arrive in the second quarter of 2021.

The vaccine is in the centre of controversy after several European countries temporarily suspended its use following reports of blood clots in recipients.

However, the European Medicines Agency and World Health Organisation have said the vaccine is safe.

AstraZeneca is one of three companies to have had its Covid-19 vaccine conditionally approved by the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency. – March 22, 2021.