THE Malaysian Red Crescent Society (MRCS) will continue to intensify efforts to contain Covid, following a RM5 million grant-in-aid for vaccine and booster doses given by the Australian government through the Australian Red Cross.

National chairman Tunku Puteri Intan Safinaz Almarhum Sultan Abdul Halim Mu’adzam Shah said the fund was to help countries fighting Covid, and Malaysia had obtained it as a result of long-standing good ties between the two associations.

“So the Australian Red Cross is among those who got the funds and channelled them to MRCS. In fact, MRCS also received 10,000 doses of the pneumococcal vaccine to be given to those in need in this country.

“Therefore, if state branches wish to carry out vaccination programmes in the rural areas for the elderly, children or those who were left out, they are welcome to contact the MRCS headquarters,” she said.

Tunku Intan Safinaz, who is the Temenggong of Kedah, was speaking to reporters after visiting the office of the Malacca MRCS in Peringgit today.

Earlier, she was given a briefing by Malacca MRCS chairman Ramli Mohd Ali, and handed over a four-wheel drive vehicle to Malacca MRCS.

She also expressed satisfaction with the facilities and equipment in their preparedness to provide assistance in the event of a disaster.

“This is my first visit to Malacca MRCS since being appointed (as national chairman) in 2018, and I see that the relief facilities such as ambulances available to help the community, especially during floods, are very good.

“I congratulate them on their hard work and with the four-wheel drive vehicle that was donated today, it is hoped that Malacca MRCS will be able to extend help more quickly,” she said. – Bernama, August 28, 2022.