KOTA KINABALU: Malaysians have been eagerly waiting to know more about the path towards the availability of Covid-19 vaccines because our neighbouring countries have laid out their plans and timeline for the start of vaccinating their populations. Current mainstream news reports said that the Covid-19 vaccines will be available by the end of this year or early next year. Therefore, all eyes and ears are on the vaccines.
Indonesia, as a start, has set aside Rupiah 34.23 trillion (Ringgit 900 million) to procure vaccines for end of this year and next year. Singapore has set up a Committee on Vaccines. The Philippines has started third stage trials on vaccines.
Russia, China and some South American countries have outlined their plans on the procurement and use of Covid-19 vaccines. Even the USA is on the verge of announcing their plans.
Why is our health authority so relatively quiet on the issue of vaccines? Vaccines is the long awaited prevention of the virus infection and answer to the sufferings of the people.
It is high time that the health authorities on the matter of Covid-19 vaccines give authoritative information on the progress of the procurement of vaccines for use by Malaysians.
Datuk Yong Teck Lee
SAPP President, Ex-Chief Minister, Assemblyman (Nominated)
