THE Public Accounts Committee (PAC) said Malaysia could not place an early strategic bet or booking fee to get Covid-19 jabs without clinical information due to financial constraints.

The committee, in its vaccine procurement report released in Parliament today, said this is one of the main reasons why the country could not get Covid-19 jabs sooner.

“The procurement process became more proactive after the Covid-19 Vaccine Supply Access Guarantee Special Committee was formed last October,” it said, adding that manufacturer delays also contributed to the hold-ups.

PAC, however, said it is satisfied with the coordination by the Finance Ministry, Health Ministry, and Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry with regard to the procurement process.

It said the use of National Heritage Fund money to pay for the Covid-19 vaccines is in line with the fund’s objectives, and the money was used appropriately.

But the premium (16.78%-18.12%) paid for Sinovac-Finished Product due to Pharmaniaga Bhd delays in April, May and June is unnecessary, it added.

“The government should have maintained the price that was agreed upon in the early agreement.”

PAC said the government must ensure all ministries responsible in the fight against Covid-19 follow the procedures in its procurement processes.

“The government should take proactive steps to finalise the purchase of Covid-19 vaccines for children aged 5-11, including placing strategic bets, if necessary, to guarantee sufficient supply of vaccines.

“It must also set a ceiling price for Sinovac, which is being sold in the private market, to ensure no profiteering.

“Putrajaya should not pay for the use of the MySejahtera application as it is a corporate social responsibility project, but take over its operations.” – December 1, 2021.