GPS MP opposes govt's removing fully vaxx status of those without booster

 

A GPS lawmaker has opposed the government's move to remove the full vaccination status of those who have yet to take their Covid-19 vaccine booster after March.

Tiong King Sing (GPS-Bintulu) also objected to the formulation of a bill to ban smoking and possession of smoking products, including electronic cigarettes (vaping) for those born after 2005.

He told the Dewan Rakyat today that the issue with the booster lies with people suffering from side effects, but the government just threatens to blank out their fully vaccination status if they have not gone for the booster dose.

"The worst part is removing the MySejahtera status for anyone who does not take a booster jab by the end of March. Don't make threats, but educate," he said.

Tiong said the government only extended the deadline to March 31 after the booster vaccine mandate drew flak.

"I have seen netizens saying they will 'bury' politicians in the (next) general election.

"Just tell them the benefits of getting a booster or say there are certain places you cannot go without a booster. Allow them to choose their vaccine too," he said.

Tiong pointed out that there are people afraid of taking the booster.

"People are afraid too. What if they die tomorrow (after receiving their booster dose)?"

"We must put ourselves in others' shoes. This includes the smoking ban on those who are born after 2005.

"Why not just come out with a suggestion to work with the ministry of education instead, why not just educate them about the adverse effects of smoking," he said.

Tiong urged Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin not to be stubborn and think of the people.

The Health Ministry extended the deadline for the elderly and Sinovac recipients to get a booster jab or risk losing their "fully vaccinated" status to an extra month to March 31.

Khairy, on Feb 17, said the government planned to introduce an act to ban smoking and possession of tobacco products, including vape, for the generation born after 2005 as a generational endgame for smoking in the country.

The minister said the government wants to reduce the future generation's exposure to cigarettes and tobacco products because the consumption of tobacco products is the leading cause of cancer, contributing 22 percent of cancer deaths. - Mkini