KUCHING, March 12: The Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg has set aside some fund to ensure that vaccination target is achieved, said Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas.
According to Uggah, the Federal government has also been made known of the Sarawak government’s intention in buying the vaccine, if given the opportunity.
“The Chief Minister has set aside some funds, in case there are issues of acquiring (the vaccines) due to whatever problem. So if we can get access to the vaccine on a certain amount earlier, it would enable us to meet our requirement,” he said during a press conference on State Covid-19 development held at the old State Legislative Assembly (DUN) building, in Petra Jaya, yesterday.
Uggah was asked to disclose what measures have been taken by the State government to speed up the vaccination process by one of the reporters during the question and answer session.
On March 1, Uggah, who is also the chairman of the State Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) announced that Sarawak is eyeing the opportunity to purchase Covid-19 vaccines to expedite the state’ inoculation program.
SDMC is currently planning and discussing with the State Vaccination Advisory Group, which is led by Datu Dr Andrew Kiyu of Unimas, and the group has been in talks with the expert’s groups in Kuala Lumpur on details and information of the vaccine.
On the same note, Uggah said very detail planning must also be done to ensure that the vaccine is able to reach every area throughout the state.
He said the Sarawak government has proposed that for some remote area in the state, the vaccination process would not follow phase 2 and 3 (of the vaccination plan).
“Meaning that if we are going to Bario, we will vaccinate everyone there irrespective of whether they are category 2 or category 3.
“This is to avoid making a return trip to the same area because it would cost a lot of complication. We are adjusting, and Kuala Lumpur is receptive to our proposal,” he explained. –DayakDaily.
