AS Malaysia races towards inoculating 80% of the adult population against Covid-19 by the end of next month, some people continue to refuse the jabs.

They told The Malaysian Insight they were still reluctant because nothing has shown them that they will be immune from the virus if they took the shots.

They said there was also lack of information on the vaccines and their efficacy. They are simply adamant about not getting the jabs.

Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin had said the government expected 80% of the adult population to be vaccinated by the end of next month, by which time Covid-19 would be endemic.

As of Monday, 18.5 million people or 78.8% of the adult population were vaccinated.

This means the 80% adult vaccination rate is achievable by today, and 100% of adults will be jabbed by November 8.

For a 41-year-old who only wished to be known as Mike, he is not keen to get jabbed because the information on the effectiveness of the vaccine is not adequate.

“The information on the vaccine is not clear and very ambiguous. My main concern is putting things in my body that I don’t understand.

“The current situation is that even if we are vaccinated we can still get infected,” he said.

Mike, who works as a private music teacher, said he has informed his clients about his situation and they have no problems with it.

He said because he is not vaccinated, he has had to make some lifestyle changes.

“I hardly go out, but I can still use MySejahtera to visit the grocery stores for food.

“I would love to take my family out for nice meals, but I would rather make this lifestyle change than follow the general narrative.”

Mike said his wife, who is also not vaccinated, is supportive of him.

“Of course she is afraid, but we go through the same information (on vaccines) together. She is supportive and we are in this together.”

He said that initially there were some negative reactions from friends and family, adding that his friends were uncomfortable around someone who was not vaccinated, while his family was concerned about his health.

“I’m not an anti-vaxxer. If statistics can show 100% results after taking the shots that I won’t contract the virus, then I will take it.

“If (I am vaccinated and) I contract the virus, the government should foot 50% of the medical bills.”

On September 1, Khairy said the government may consider making vaccination against Covid-19 mandatory in order to address the issue of anti-vaxxers.

While it is not mandatory to get the vaccines under the government’s national recovery plan, only people completing their vaccination schedule are able to participate in all permitted activities – from economic to social, from dining in to going to the office.

‘Pro-medical freedom’

A woman who wanted to be identified as Noor, also 41, said her confidence in the vaccines remains low because of the high number of new Covid-19 cases.

She said she and her husband were ready to take legal action against the government if they were forced to get vaccinated.

“I still have trust issues no matter how much they (authorities) say the vaccine is safe.”

Noor, who is a wellness consultant and manages her own farm, said that she is unsure of the effects of the vaccine and if it is safe for everyone.

“I know that not one thing fits all. It (the vaccine) may be all right for some, but I’m in doubt if it is all right for me.

“I don’t want to take the risk. I know the risk of getting Covid-19. The chances of getting infected is higher than putting something premature (vaccine) into my body.”

The mother of five said that she was not bothered about dining in, commenting about missing out on social activities.

Noor said the only reason she would get vaccinated was if her husband was prevented from going to the mosque.

“My husband is also not vaccinated and we don’t plan to do so until it is necessary. If it becomes mandatory, we will fight it.

“If it is forced upon us, we might consider legal action. For now, we don’t believe in it (vaccination).”

Online business owner Mary, 39, who has an autoimmune condition, is also not convinced with the vaccine.

“We are unsure if the vaccine will contribute to more complications. There have been cases for those who are inoculated.

“Some people are hesitant because of their health issues. So, there is still distrust in taking the vaccines that are offered.”

She said she does not want to weakene her already frail system.

“I’m not an anti-vaxxer and this term is quite derogatory. Many people have a lot of sensitive and personal reasons for not taking the vaccine.

“I’m pro-medical freedom but not pro-vaccine. I’m quite disturbed by the pressure to get vaccinated.

“Nobody has the right over someone else’s body. Just because someone is vaccinated it doesn’t mean they won’t get the virus.”

Mary said even if she didn’t have her health condition, she would not take the vaccine as it was hurriedly conceived.

“I don’t trust the pharmaceutical companies. The vaccines were manufactured within a year, when it should take between eight and 15 years.

“I feel that the bottom line was to make profit.”

As for work and social activities, she said her work is mostly online and there is no interaction with customers.

“I still go out, but I’m alright with not dining in. I just avoid crowded places.

“My mom is not vaccinated but my father is. There are also my friends who don’t want to take the vaccine.”

Mary said she would consult her MP and might seek legal action if the government decide to make vaccination mandatory. – September 21, 2021.