PRIME Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob today said that seven million Malaysians have yet to take their booster dose against Covid-19, advising them to do so immediately.

He said although the booster dose was not mandatory, it is still vital amid a fresh wave of Covid cases, and would help in facing new variants of the virus, especially the more infectious Omicron BA.5 variant.

“It is not mandatory, but I would like to advise those who have yet to take the booster dose to immediately take it to protect themselves from infection, and if they are having the symptoms, to see a doctor for confirmation.” 

Ismail, who is Bera MP, said this to reporters when met after attending the Korban Perdana programme and witnessing the sacrificial rites in conjunction with Aidiladha at Darul Fikri Mosque in Bera today.

When asked if there was a plan to reopen large-scale vaccination centres to facilitate those who have yet to take the booster dose, Ismail  said it was up to the Health Ministry to decide, if they find it necessary.

The prime minister also said the government had no plans to close the economic sectors despite an increase in the number of positive cases.

“Life will go on as usual, but we need to take proactive measures to protect ourselves and our families, including by taking the booster shot,” he said.

Ismail also advised people to take appropriate measures to avoid getting infected, even though many curbs have been eased since the endemic transition.

“This includes not having to mask up outdoors, but we can still take our own initiative to protect ourselves, especially in a crowded area,” he said. – Bernama, July 11, 2022.