THE government has no plans to make the Covid-19 vaccination mandatory, said Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

However, the prime minister said there is a mandate in place for civil servants and those serving in the armed forces to be fully vaccinated, following reports that a high number of civil servants have yet to get the jab.

“So, in a way, the vaccine can be said to be mandatory for certain people,” he said during a press conference at the Seri Perak People’s Housing Project in Sentul, Kuala Lumpur, today.

Ismail Sabri encouraged those who have yet to get the jab to do so.

“How long do you want to wait? We have waited so long to return to our hometowns. Even for umrah, the Saudi government requires pilgrims to be fully vaccinated.”

As of yesterday, Malaysia has vaccinated 67.5% of its population, as the government relaxes various restrictions. However, many places and services are limited to inoculated folk.

Ismail Sabri also said no action will be taken against anti-vaxxers, as long as they do not spread fake news.

He said the government is concerned with serving the interests of the majority and not the minority, adding that the anti-vaxxer community involves a small group of people.

Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin yesterday said his ministry has lodged police reports against anti-vaccination groups in the country.

He said he hopes that swift action will follow, such as investigating and charging them if necessary.

Khairy was responding to a Twitter user who questioned the lack of enforcement against anti-vaccination groups in the country. – October 16, 2021.