by AZREEN HANI / pic by TMR FILE

SEREMBAN MP Anthony Loke (picture) is calling for the Operation Surge Capacity to be implemented in Negri Sembilan in light of a high number of Covid-19 cases in the state.

“I would like to call on Khairy to expand the ‘Operation Surge Capacity’ to include Negri Sembilan in the operation as the state is among the top three states with the highest positive cases with Selangor and Kuala Lumpur (KL),” he said in reference to the recent announcement by Coordinating Minister of the National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme (NCIP) Khairy Jamaluddin Abu Bakar.

“As the Rembau MP, I am sure he also understands the situation in Negri Sembilan and feels the concern of the people he represents,” Loke added.

Last Friday, Khairy said the initiative will ensure every adult in KL and Selangor will receive at least the first dose of their two-shot Covid-19 vaccination by Aug 1.

He added that a total of 3.5 million out of 6.1 million adults in both KL and Selangor have received their first doses.

Loke said more aggressive measures are needed by both the federal and state governments to control the current situation from getting worse.

“The strategy to implement integrated operations in Selangor, KL and Negri Sembilan simultaneously is believed to be able to control the situation within a few weeks and it will directly help the situation nationwide as these states accounted for almost 60% of the total number of cases recently,” he added.

“The approach of close cooperation between the federal and state governments in increasing vaccination rates as seen in Selangor should also be implemented in Negri Sembilan.

“I am confident that the Negri Sembilan government will cooperate fully in this effort.”

Additionally, Loke also called on the government to allow all senior citizens aged 60 and above in Negri Sembilan to get vaccinated on a “walk-in” basis as has been implemented in the Klang Valley.