The Buddhist Chief High Priest of Malaysia, Most Venerable Datuk K. Sri Dhammaratana, advised all religious organizations to encourage their believers to actively register for the National COVID-19 Immunisation Programme

(Kuala Lumpur, May 25th) The COVID-19 outbreak in Malaysia is currently still ongoing, with high numbers of cases reported each day to date. The Buddhist Chief High Priest of Malaysia, Most Venerable Datuk K. Sri Dhammaratana, advised all religious organizations to encourage their believers to actively register for the National COVID-19 Immunisation Programme and to attend the appointment for vaccination according to the schedule so that our country can enter the herd immunity stage as soon as possible.

Most Venerable Datuk K. Sri Dhammaratana is also the founder of the Ti-Ratana Welfare Society, has received his first Covid jab on Tuesday 25th May 2021. In a speech in conjunction with Vesak Day (26th May 2021), he said that he had just received the coronavirus vaccine, effectively doing his part to protect others, which is also the responsibility of a Malaysian citizen.

“Global medical experts have stated that vaccinating more than 70% of the population to achieve herd immunity is the most effective plan to fight the epidemic at present. Therefore, all people should be united, regardless of religion or race.”

The Buddhist Chief High Priest of Malaysia, Most Venerable Datuk K. Sri Dhammaratana has received his first Covid jab on Tuesday 25th May 2021, witnessed by Deputy Minister of National Unity Datuk Seri Ti Lian Ker, Ti-Ratana Welfare Society President Datuk Seri KK Chai, and Visiting Director at Hospital Sungai Buloh Selangor, Brandon Ng.

Those who witnessed his inoculation include Deputy Minister of National Unity Datuk Seri Ti Lian Ker, Ti-Ratana Welfare Society President Datuk Seri KK Chai, and Visiting Director at Hospital Sungai Buloh Selangor, Brandon Ng.

He also invited Buddhists from all over Malaysia to chant and bless the COVID-19 frontline personnel and patients worldwide to share the joy of Dharma upon Vesak Day.

“While the whole country is struggling to fight the epidemic, believers should link the practice of precepts, samadhi, and wisdom with real life, so as not to add chaos to society, work hard to practice the precepts, samadhi, and wisdom of the epidemic, help the country and pray for peace for the world.”

He said that all believers should celebrate this year’s Vesak Day at home to remember the grace of the Buddha and practice the Buddha’s teachings.

“The Vesak Day under the new normal does not prevent believers from strengthening their beliefs and spreading more positive energy to people and things around them to remember the birth, enlightenment, and Nirvana of the Buddha on this important day.”

Datuk Seri KK Chai, the President of Ti-Ratana Welfare Society pointed out that, as the daily number of confirmed cases and deaths are rising exponentially, he hopes that the government will open up the private sector to participate in the National COVID-19 Immunisation Programme as soon as possible, allowing the private sector including hospitals to administer vaccines to expedite the vaccination process to the masses.

In addition, he also believes that many countries, such as China and Singapore, have agreed that some Chinese medicines can effectively treat covid-19. He hopes that the Ministry of Health and the National Drug Administration (NPRA) will speed up the application for TCM and also the certification procedures for other vaccine brands so that Malaysian will soon have the option to choose the treatment and vaccine they want.