KUALA LUMPUR: The process of transitioning Malaysia from the Covid-19 pandemic stage into endemicity must be made carefully although the country is increasingly ready to make such a transition.
Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah cited several indicators which show that the country is ready to transition into the endemic phase.
Among the indicators include the Nikkei Asia Covid-19 Recovery Index which ranked Malaysia at 13th spot out of 122 countries around the world.
Al-Sultan Abdullah also noted that the Covid-19 National Immunisation Programme (NIP) has helped to inoculate 98 per cent of the adult population in the country.
"To ensure immunity against the virus remains at the optimum level and guarding the people against new variants emerging from the virus, I call on everyone to get the Covid-19 booster through the programme implemented by the government," the Yang di-Pertuan Agong said when delivering his royal address at the opening of the First Meeting of the Fifth Session of the 14th Parliament today.
His Majesty added that he supported the National Covid-19 Testing Strategy as well as the affirmative action taken by the Government to reduce the price of self-test kits to strengthen public health actions and community empowerment.
"Such an approach will enable the opening of economic and social sectors safely," said Al-Sultan Abdullah.
The King also said he appreciated the National Vaccine Development Roadmap including implementing a strategy to develop the country's own vaccine to enhance the nation's preparedness in facing pandemics and other epidemic threats in future.
"I also welcome the National Strategic Plan for Mental Health Year 2020-2025 which is designed to address the mental health issues faced by the people, especially those affected by the pandemic through various intervention measures and aid to those affected.
"I would like to call on the people to continue safeguarding their health as well as their mental well-being and always adopt a healthy lifestyle to achieve the goals of the Healthy Malaysia National Agenda."