KUALA LUMPUR: The government is considering the 'opt-out' alternative for individuals who do not wish to receive Covid-19 vaccine.
Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin in a parliamentary reply to a question by Datuk Mohd Salim Sharif (BN-Jempol) yesterday said if implemented, those who chose not to be inoculated against the virus would not be able to enjoy some facilities and services allowed to the fully-vaccinated people.
"The ministry was also considering plan to implement mandatory vaccination in certain sectors like health, security, education and services, by exercising provisions under the Occupational Safety and Health and 1994."
He said the ministry was also mulling compulsory full vaccination as a requirement for individuals to allow them to use facilities in selected places and participate in social activities.
The requirement would cover eateries, shopping malls, government premises, universities, libraries and sports activities, among others.
He however said the decision would be brought to the Cabinet before a decision was made.
On vaccine reception, he said a study by Health Education in April showed that only five percent of Malaysians refused to be vaccinated for Covid-19.
While the government has not decided to impose a blanket mandatory Covid-19 vaccination, he said legal actions could be taken against individuals who were found spreading false information and influencing others against vaccination.
"The government is carrying out various initiatives to encourage reception of Covid-19 vaccine among the people. Among them are privileges for fully-vaccinated people that allow them to dine in at restaurants, take part in prayer activities at mosques and surau as well as places of worship; and travel interstate for long-distance married couples.
"The government also facilitates vaccination for people in villages and rural areas through outreach programmes and conducts house visits for bedridden individuals."
In addition, (other initiatives are) walk-in vaccination, setting up vaccination centres, and opening on-site vaccination at workplaces with huge labour size, he said.
On a separate matter, Khairy said a total of 120,974 compounds were issued to individuals who violated the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) since last year.
A total of RM74.92million compound was collected with 360 cases were taken to court, he said in reply to a question from Fong Kui Lun (PH-Bukit Bintang).