KUCHING, Feb 19: Sarawak Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg will be the first Sarawakian to roll up his sleeve to get the Covid-19 vaccine.
Sarawak State Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) chairman Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas in a press conference today disclosed that Abang Johari will be the first among their targeted 2.2 million people in the state to get vaccinated as confirmed by State Health Department director Dr Chin Zin Hing.
It will then be followed by frontliners, target groups comprising high-risk groups including the senior citizens and those with non-communicable diseases (NCD) or chronic respiratory illnesses.
“The Covid-19 vaccine is a move to assure the people of its safety. That is why we need to get as many eligible people (above 18 years old) as possible to be vaccinated.
“Our target is about 80 per cent or two million Sarawakians and 200,000 non-citizens in Sarawak. It is our hope that every one of you will want to take the vaccine,” Uggah said, adding that the government will not force anyone to take the vaccine.
He also urged Sarawakians and non-Sarawakians residing in the state to be wary and cautious with what they read on social media because there are many claims or articles that say the vaccine is dangerous, which confuses the people.
Uggah asserted that Dr Chin has been given the responsibility to rebut negative or wrong rumours, by explaining the vaccines objectively so that everyone living in Sarawak can judge for themselves if it is safe or not.
At the same time, SDMC will prepare the materials to explain to everyone the importance of vaccination.
“As I have said, we will not force anyone to take the vaccine, which is why there is a form for you to fill up and declare. There are several ways in which you can choose to register via the MySejahtera app, district offices or hospitals and clinics.
Sarawak’s vaccination programme is scheduled for launch on Feb 27 at the Stadium Perpaduan in Petra Jaya.- DyakDaily
