Kepong MP Lim Lip Eng has called on the government to appoint a single dedicated spokesperson on Covid-19 vaccine matters to ensure that there is no confusion or conflicting information on the issue.
Lim (above) said the country still faces challenges even though the Covid-19 vaccination programme has begun.
"The main obstacle we have to face now is there are still a lot of people out there who do not believe in the effectiveness of the vaccine and do not have confidence in the immunisation programme.
"Therefore, it is important for the government to ensure that public information related to this vaccine is clearly communicated to the people.
"I suggest that a special spokesperson be appointed to explain important information regarding the Covid-19 vaccine," he said in a statement today.
Currently, vaccine-related information is being disseminated by Special Vaccine Supply Access Guarantee Committee co-chairpersons Science, Technology, and Innovation Minister Khairy Jamaluddin and Health Minister Dr Adham Baba.
Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin and Health director-general Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah also issued important statements on the matter.
"When too many individuals such as ministers talk about the same issue, there will definitely be confusion. Thus, the appointment of this special spokesperson will ensure that all information can be conveyed clearly and in an orderly manner to avoid any discrepancies," added Lim.
The Klang MP congratulated Muhyiddin for taking the first dose of Covid-19 vaccine and setting a positive example to the public.
"Congratulations also to the frontliners who have received the vaccine. Indeed, the initial injections given to this group is the starting point for rebuilding Malaysia, after almost a year of being hit by the Covid-19 pandemic," he said.
Lim said it was vital that more information about the vaccine process be communicated to the general public.
"This includes the vaccine type, dose number, administration time, priority list, and so on. The more it is described, then people can build their trust in the vaccine," he said.
The National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme officially kicked off on Wednesday, with Muhyiddin being the first individual to receive the vaccine.
According to the government's plan, the programme aims to cover at least 80 percent of the country's adult population.
It would be carried out in three phases throughout a one-year period, beginning with 500,000 essential personnel.
The three phases are:
Phase 1 - Will run until April. This will involve medical frontliners, enforcement personnel, welfare officers, elected representatives and teachers with comorbidities.
Phase 2 - From April to August, involving 9.4 million people classified as high-risk groups. These groups include the differently-abled, those above 60 years old and those with comorbidities such as heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure.
Phase 3 - This will be from May to February 2022 for all other people living in Malaysia aged 18 and above. - Mkini
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