TINJAR, Aug 11: A total of 31 Penans aged above 18 in Long Liaw in Ulu Tinjar received their first dose of the Sinovac Covid-19 vaccine yesterday.
According to Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas), village headman Bitang Sakai expressed his appreciation to the government for taking care of the health of the rural community.
“I thank the government for caring for the Penan community in the Tinjar area.
“We will adhere to the government’s directive as we know that the government is working hard to protect the people as the Penan community is also part of Malaysia,” he said when met at the Covid-19 vaccination outreach programme for the Penan community in Long Liaw, Tinjar here yesterday.
He also urged the Penan community not to shy away from receiving the Covid-19 vaccine as it is for the safety of their family and the public.
“My villagers in Long Liaw have received the Covid-19 vaccine and they feel safe from the coronavirus transmission.
“To the rest of the Penan community, do not be afraid to receive the Covid-19 vaccine,” he said.
Meanwhile, residents who received their first dose of Covid-19 vaccine will be given their second dose on August 31.
Earlier, Miri Health Division Family Development head Dr Noor Izni Mohamed Shapie briefed members of the Penan community on the importance of getting vaccinated against Covid-19.
Among those who joined the Covid-19 vaccination outreach programme in Tinjar were Beluru District Officer Alfred Geling Ason who is also Beluru District Divisional Management Committee chairman and Tinjar sub-district administrative officer Marliney Igil.
The vaccination outreach programme was conducted using the Fire and Rescue Department’s Augusta AW139/9M-BOD helicopter. — DayakDaily
