However, this allocation excludes the portion for Sarawak, says Khairy Jamaluddin

by SHAHEERA AZNAM SHAH / pic by TMR FILE 

ABOUT 30,000 doses of Covid-19 vaccines have been set aside under the Public-Private Partnership Industrial Covid-19 Immunisation Programme (Pikas) for individuals who are working in the essential sectors of the economy.

Pikas, or Phase 4 of the National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme (NCIP), was established to prioritise workers of the manufacturing sectors that have been in operation through the movement restrictions.

Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Khairy Jamaluddin Abu Bakar said this allocation excludes the portion for Sarawak.

Pikas commenced yesterday, ahead of the scheduled date of June 16.

“It was a decision by the Special Committee on Ensuring Access to Covid-19 Vaccine Supply to prioritise and protect the industries that have been the backbone of Malaysia’s economy.

“We will begin Phase 4 this week, with several key industries at Covid-19 vaccination centres that will be organised by the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI),” he said.

Covid-19 Immunisation Task Force (CITF) has added another phase under NCIP to solely focus on vaccinating people who are working under economic sectors that are deemed critical.

Previously, Khairy said Phase 4 was expected to begin on June 16 in Pengerang, Johor, involving critical sub-sectors of the manufacturing industry including oil and gas, electrical and electronics, food processing, iron and steel, medical devices and personal protective equipment.

Other ministries, including MITI, Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry, Works Ministry, Transport Ministry, Tourism Arts and Culture Ministry and other government agencies have been assisting CITF in getting the entitled workers vaccinated.

Khairy added that about an additional 30,000 doses of vaccines will be distributed to Labuan, Sabah, following the recent surge in new coronavirus cases.