KUCHING, Nov 8: Sarawak is actively negotiating with the supplier to buy the antiviral drug Molnupiravir to treat Covid-19 in the State.
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said this was in addition to the expected contributions from the federal government.
“We are trying our best. The Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) is doing this,” he said.
On Oct 7, Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said Malaysia had signed an agreement with Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp (MSD) to buy 150,000 courses of Molnupiravir.
Khairy had said that research conducted by the firm had indicated that the medicine is able to reduce 50 per cent of hospital admissions.
It was also shown to be effective towards more infectious variants of Covid-19 including Gamma, Delta and Mu.
Meanwhile, Uggah presented a RM500,000 cheque from the Unit For Other Religions (Unifor) to St Thomas Cathedral here today.
The Anglican Bishop of Kuching Reverend Datuk Danald Jute received the cheque.
The aid is to assist in meeting administrative and operational expenses.
Uggah added the government was appreciative of the roles played by churches and other houses of worship in helping the government to fight the Covid-19 pandemic.
Besides, Uggah wanted churches, temples and chapels to continue to advise their congregations about the importance of observing all the standard operating procedures (SOPs).
On the funding from Unifor, Uggah said it was one of two new initiatives from the unit.
“Unifor has two new programmes this year. It is allocating a sum of RM15 million to help all mission schools.
“It is also setting aside a sum of RM5 million to help all churches, chapels and temples in meeting their administrative and operational costs,” he explained.
On the other hand, Danald said the financial assistance channelled through Unifor would go a long way in helping them to move forward.
“The fund will also help us to serve (people) especially those in rural areas. It is in our prayers that they will always be forthcoming.” he said. — DayakDaily
