KHAIRY Jamaluddin has told employers and Selangor folk they would get their turn for vaccination faster under the national immunisation drive, instead of applying to buy vaccines through the state government. 

The coordinating minister for the National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme said he understood the urgency of the public wanting to get vaccinated due to the seriousness of the third wave of Covid-19 infections. 

“While I cannot stop people from registering for the Selangor vaccination programme for paying a deposit or a down payment, the only assurance I can give the public, the industries as well as employers is that we will get to you probably quicker than the programme will,” he said in a press conference today. 

“But if you still want to pay money and get it later, that is your decision,” he added. 

In saying that, Khairy said he does not want to be seen as blocking Selangor’s efforts and that the federal and state governments have to support one another. 

However, he said supplies to the federal government will be prioritised.

Khairy revealed that he has contacted Selangor Menteri Besar Amirudin Shari. 

“I have texted the Selangor menteri besar and I have asked him please don’t confuse the public because as far as supplies are concern priority is given to the national programme,” he added.

State executive councillor for public health, Dr Siti Mariah Mahmud said Selangor employers can now purchase the Covid-19 vaccines for their workers. 

She said the state government has initiated a facility to sell vaccines to employers in the state who plan to immunise their workers in order to contain the spread of the virus.

Companies are able to do so by registering for the purchase via the Selangkah app. 

Khairy assured that the national vaccination drive, which has been the subject to criticism for progressing on a slow pace, will gain momentum once more supplies of vaccines arrive.

As for Sarawak, he said he had spoken to Deputy Chief Minister Douglas Uggah Embas and given him the assurance that the state will receive its stock of vaccines, like all the other states, as soon as supplies arrive.

Khairy said he had informed Uggah that there is no need for the state to import any additional vaccines – including finished Sinovac doses directly from the Beijing-based manufacturer – as they will receive their share of jabs.

“I have given my assurance to the deputy chief minister of Sarawak and he is happy with the assurance I have given him,” he added.

Khairy said all states can start their own vaccination rollout but the issue at hand is the availability of vaccines. – May 19, 2021.