By Khairy Jamaluddin, who is the Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation (MOSTI) in the Perikatan Nasional (PN) administration, is seeking to make the vaccine for COVID-19 free for all Malaysians.
According to Bernama, the Minister said that MOSTI will recommend to the Cabinet to provide free COVID-19 vaccine to all Malaysians, once the vaccine becomes available and is purchased.
“The Cabinet has not decided yet but this is my recommendation to the Cabinet, that the vaccine we purchase to be given free of charge to all Malaysians but this is just my recommendation,” he said.
Khairy attended the National Technology and Innovation Sandbox (NTIS) event in Cyberjaya today morning, 19 August, which was launched by Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin.
NTIS is among the key initiatives announced under the Short-Term Economic Recovery Plan (PENJANA).
He also said that Malaysia is looking at several manufacturers for the vaccine while keeping in mind that its safety and efficacy is pivotal
“The most important thing for Malaysia is safety and efficacy. We want to make sure the vaccine that we buy is safe and effective and it has data shared with us,” he was quoted as saying by The Star.
“The National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA) under the Ministry of Health (MOH) requires the data for clinical trials to be shared with us before we approve the buying of vaccines. The data will tell us whether the vaccines are safe and effective.”
According to Khairy, once there is a safe and effective vaccine, Malaysia will want it as soon as possible.
Previously, Khairy had said that Malaysia may get access to the COVID-19 vaccine from China if MOH finds it safe and effective for use
“Malaysia is also talking to China about vaccine development by companies and institutions from the republic. China now has several companies and institutions which are more advanced in the field,” he was quoted as saying. – SAYS
