FEDERAL civil servants who fail to complete the Covid-19 vaccination will be subject to disciplinary action or termination of service when the policy on immunisation involving civil servants comes into force on November 1.

The matter is stated in the service circular no. 4/2021 on the Covid-19 immunisation implementation policy for federal public service officers.

Signed by Public Service Department (PSD) director-general Mohd Khairul Adib Abd Rahman, it said officers could be instructed to complete their vaccination from that date.

“On or after November 1, 2021, any officer who fails to comply with the head of department’s instructions may result in disciplinary action or termination of service,” read the circular, which was uploaded on PSD’s website today.

Meanwhile, officers who cannot complete the vaccination due to health reasons could be instructed to undergo a check-up with a registered medical practitioner.

They may also be instructed by the department head to undergo a Covid-19 test if they have been confirmed unfit to receive the vaccination for health reasons.

“Officers are responsible for obtaining a complete Covid-19 immunisation as prescribed by the government. This is to ensure a safe work environment and service delivery as well as public service productivity are at an optimal level,” read the circular.

It noted that department heads can at any time instruct officers who have not completed their vaccination to undergo a health examination to determine their health status.

They are also allowed to use appropriate methods to manage officers who have not completed their vaccination, including instructing the staff to undergo Covid-19 screening at their own expenses.

However, the government will pay the cost of Covid-19 tests for those who are not eligible to receive the vaccination due to health reasons.

All civil servants are subject to the provisions under clause (2) of Article 132 of the Federal Constitution and are bound by the letter of undertaking that they have signed under sub-regulation 20(3) of the Public Officers (Appointment, Promotion and Termination of Service) Regulations 2012 [PU(A)1/2012].

The PSD, in a statement on September 30, announced that all federal civil servants are required to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 before November 1. – Bernama, October 19, 2021.