THE Public Service Department will submit to the National Security Council (NSC) a proposal on measures that can be taken against civil servants who refuse to be vaccinated against Covid-19.

The department said in a statement today that several options of action and measures would be proposed to the NSC, including a directive to make it compulsory for all civil servants to take the vaccine except those who have strong reasons to be exempted on health grounds.

According to the department, almost 98% of civil servants had been vaccinated against Covid-19.

“This matter (vaccination) should be given priority to give confidence and assurance to the public who have to deal with civil servants at government premises,” the department said.

It said the vaccination effort should be given priority to return government services to full operational levels based on the phases of the National Recovery Plan (NRP).

On September 4, the Congress of Unions of Employees in the Public and Civil Services (Cuepacs) president Adnan Mat suggested that the government issue a special circular on civil servants who have yet to take the Covid-19 jabs by explaining the actions to be taken on the group.

The department said that several measures could be taken by the respective ministries or departments based on current regulations to ensure that civil servants would take the vaccine.

In principle, civil servants are subject to the Public Officers (Conduct and Discipline) Regulations 1993 [P.U. (A) 395/1993] and they have to comply with existing rules including in the matter of attendance on duty in the office when directed by the department head, it said. – Bernama, September 21, 2021.