KUCHING, Dec 24: As Sarawak continues to battle the Covid-19 that still raged the country, relief is in sight following the announcement of free Covid-19 vaccines for Sarawakians.
Social activist Datuk Seri Ang Lai Soon welcomed the announcement and thanked Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg and Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin for assuring that all Sarawakians and Malaysians will be given the free vaccines when they are available.
“Whilst the year 2020 has not been kind to humanity, there is now relief in sight, which can be celebrated together with those on Christmas Day. Privately of course.
“The period we are passing through this Christmas is unprecedented, the most difficult and challenging.
“SDMC (State Disaster Management Committee) especially has done sterling work and the FDMC (Federal Disaster Management Committee) and MOH (Ministry of Health) have been doing their best,” he acknowledged in a statement today.
Ang however reminded that the lessons learnt from the pandemic must not be overlooked when this war is won.
“In my opinion these are apparent, the first being that humanity is part of the natural world and not its dominator, so we must learn to live in empathy with nature as well.
“The second is that the world should not return to the pre-covid-19 ‘normality’ that has led to climate change, of which there is now abundant evidence, and overuse of the world’s irreplaceable resources,” he said.
While the positive actions by governments including Movement Control Order (MCO), physical distancing, mask wearing and travel restriction should have been able to control and contain the spread of Covid-19, Ang pointed out that it was still not time to let guard down as another new and fast-moving coronavirus variant was detected in the UK.
“Demanding tasks that cannot be ignored; essential aims to pledge this Christmas Day, in line with the hope and aspirations of our usual Christmas Day and forthcoming festive celebrations.
“My thoughts and prayers are with our heroic medical front liners for the splendid job they do to keep us safe. Our grateful thanks to them and the essential services including the police, the Armed Forces and others.
“I wish every one of all faiths and beliefs peace and goodwill at all times,” he extended his Christmas greetings to all.
Meanwhile, Abang Johari gave the assurance yesterday (Dec 23) that all Sarawakians will get Covid-19 vaccine for free as the State government was prepared to foot all the costs involved including logistics which amount of expenditure has yet to be determined.
He shared that the unit price for the vaccine which consisted of two doses is expected to be RM77 each and excluded the cost of transportation.
The vaccines need to be delivered into the State using special refrigerated containers kept at below 70 Degree Celsius. -DayakDaily
