Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said today that he will have a discussion with Education Minister Radzi Jidin on the vaccination mandate for teachers.
Speaking to reporters, he said they are looking into whether Covid-19 immunisation can be made compulsory for teachers, as well as legal issues related to the matter.
"We have to discuss with the Education Ministry because there is also a legal implication.
"I will have to discuss with the education minister the sectoral mandate (for teachers), and whether it can be made compulsory," Khairy said.
Two days ago, Khairy told a press conference that the government still maintains the policy not to force vaccination on individuals and will continue with its approach to encourage people to get vaccinated.
This includes opening certain privileges to those who have completed their Covid-19 immunisation.
However, the minister said they also encourage 'sectoral persuasion', where a company or agency can set vaccination as a condition before a worker can come into their workplace.
This includes schools, should they want to persuade teachers to get vaccinated.
The issue of unvaccinated teachers has sparked concerns, especially as the government is planning to reopen schools, and underage children are yet to be inoculated and thus have no protection from the coronavirus.
This matter has also got the attention of the Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah, who yesterday issued a decree stating his concern over reports that there are teachers in the state who refuse to get vaccinated.
Asked if there are also other sectors being considered for the vaccination mandate, Khairy said the travel sector is among those looking at it.
According to him, the Health Ministry would leave the decision to the sector or individual companies, whether they want to implement such a mandate.
"I think the travel sector is looking at it (vaccination mandate).
"That is up to them to implement at sectoral level and at the company level.
"For instance, if the airlines insist that you be vaccinated, or (require that you) show proof of vaccination, then it is up to them."
Inter-state travel
On a related matter, Khairy hinted to reporters that the ministry may propose to the government to allow inter-district and interstate travelling soon.
But, he added, it would have to wait until the vaccination rate reaches 60 percent of the adult population in each and every state.
"I have discussed this (allowing cross-district and interstate travelling) with the health director-general. And we have landed on a recommendation.
"We will bring it to the National Security Council soon.
"There is a hope (for it to be allowed). But I am asking for some patience and for the people to give us a little bit more time," Khairy added. - Mkini
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