KUALA LUMPUR: Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad today said the Health Ministry would be tabling a proposal and policy to make immunisation vaccination compulsory.
The Health minister was reported as saying by Bernama that he would bring the matter to the ministry's post-cabinet meeting.
Should it receive support, it will then be brought to the Cabinet, Dr Dzulkefly told reporters in Langkawi last night after attending a health forum at the Al Hana Mosque.
"I believe there will be arguments for and against the proposal, and MOH will consider all views seriously," he was quoted as saying.
Separately, Dr Dzulkefly's deputy Dr Lee Boon Chye this morning said vaccination for toddlers nine-months-old and above is currently only at 89 per cent.
He said the ministry is targeting a vaccination rate of 95 per cent for effective control vaccine-preventable diseases such as diphtheria and neonatal tetanus.
"The percentage of children getting their first dose of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine (MMR) by their fifth birthday has reached our target but not for the vaccination given to children nine-months-old and above which is now only at 89 per cent.
"This is not a safe phase should we want to prevent measles as we need to reach 95 per cent in order to control any outbreaks. Unfortunately, some parents have largely been influenced by anti-vaccination groups," he said in Penang this morning.