By Karen Bong
BINTULU, June 17: Bintulu is likely to have 80 per cent of its population vaccinated against Covid-19 by August as more vaccination centres (PPV) including those dedicated for industrial and targeted areas are being set up to ramp up vaccines roll out.
Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg pointed out that the vaccination rate in Bintulu can be increased above 5,000 shots per day from the current 3,000 doses following the setting up and operation of workplace and industrial PPVs.
“In Bintulu, it is estimated that there are about 200,000 people eligible for vaccination. Now the capacity (of vaccine rollout) is about 3,000 doses and to be increased to 5,000 doses daily.
“So coupled with workplaces and industrial PPVs, there is a high chance to increase vaccination above 5,000 doses.
“I believe that by August, Bintulu can attain at least 80 per cent of the population vaccinated. With this, it will help to contain the pandemic and bring down the number of Covid-19 cases,” he told a press conference after visiting the industrial vaccination centre (PPV) set up at Press Metal Bintulu near Samalaju Industrial Park here today.
As more PPVs are being approved and set up, Abang Johari noted the need to increase healthcare manpower and resources including volunteers in order to ensure vaccination drives can proceed smoothly and efficiently.
“We need volunteers and it seems that the manpower is sufficient (meantime) but maybe can be increased as more PPVs are being set up.
“There would not be any major problems as Bintulu DDMC (Bintulu Divisional Disaster Management Committee) will handle the arrangement.
“We will discuss further details including shortage of nurses and volunteers,” he said.
To Abang Johari, it was of utmost importance for more people to be vaccinated with the scheduled arrivals of Covid-19 vaccine supply with another batch en-routing to Bintulu from Miri today.
“We want people to be vaccinated so that they can have stronger antibodies to defend and fight against Covid-19,” he added.
Deputy Chief Ministers Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, Minister for Local Government and Housing Datuk Seri Sim Kui Hian as well as Bintulu MP Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing were among those present.— DayakDaily
