KUANTAN: The green light from the Federal government to allow any party or organisation to purchase their own Covid-19 vaccines will help expedite the ongoing vaccination process.
Teruntum assemblyman Sim Chon Siang described the decision as a timely move that would certainly provide relief for many who have been anxiously waiting for months to get vaccinated.
"The Pahang state government had previously planned to purchase 10,000 additional doses, so now with the support from corporate agencies or the private sector they will be able to place orders for more doses. In the battle against the pandemic, I am sure everyone will come forward to help.
"I believe if more corporate agencies take up the offer to purchase the vaccines then the inoculation process can be completed ahead of time. However, all dealings to purchase the vaccines have to be transparent to avoid any party from taking advantage of the situation," he said.
Sim was commenting on Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin's statement that the government has no objection if certain quarters want to purchase their own Covid-19 vaccines, but first must obtain approval from the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA).
Meanwhile state executive council member Datuk Seri Mohd Sharkar Shamsudin said the priority now was to get as many people as possible to be vaccinated.
"To achieve this we need the vaccine supplies because medication or treating Covid-19 patients is costly. As more people receive the vaccines, the less likely they are to get the disease.
"Even Pahang has introduced its own application known as the "Pahang Covid-19 Immunisation System" (SICP) to allow people to register for vaccination and we have volunteers on the ground assisting to get more people to sign up," he said.
Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail's office is expected to issue a press release on the matter soon.