THE government has no intention of causing hardship to the people and the problems facing those who are against the Covid-19 vaccine are due to their own attitude, Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob said.

He said the Covid-19 vaccination, although not made mandatory yet, helps make life easier for the people.

“Those who do not take the vaccine are making life difficult for themselves, it is not the government that is deliberately making it difficult… that is why I urge those who have not yet received the vaccine to do so, that they can also get to enjoys benefits such as travelling.

“We have a responsibility to help protect others by reducing the risk of infection and reducing the severity of the effects of the disease, if infected, by taking the Covid-19 vaccine,” he added.

Ismail said this at a press conference after attending the wearing of rank ceremony from DSP to Superintendent for Bera police chief Mansor Samsudin at the Bera district police headquarters in Pahang today.

The ceremony was conducted by Inspector-General of Police Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani.

Yesterday, Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin was reported to have said that the government would take a stern approach against those who refuse to take the vaccine, by “continuing to impose various difficulties” on them.

According to the prime minister, the Health Minister in making the statement, was referring to the problems those who refuse the vaccine will continue to face, as coronavirus restrictions are imposed not only in Malaysia, but also in other countries.

“Like in the case of only those who are fully vaccinated being allowed to perform umrah, and next year, to perform the haj pilgrimage. This is a condition set by the Saudi government, which of course makes it difficult for those who are not vaccinated,” he said.

When asked whether the condition in the new recruitment of civil servants would include for the candidates to be fully vaccinated, Ismail said it was a good suggestion, but the matter should be looked into thoroughly by the Public Service Department (JPA).

“It may be considered, but the PSD has to look into various aspects, including legal implications. So far, action can only be taken against those who are already in the service as the deadline for civil servants to take the vaccine is November 1,” he added. – Bernama, October 17, 2021.