The GoVAX Shuttle Service initiative is on until Aug 31. Bookings must be made three days in advance.
SENIOR citizens and people with disabilities in Petaling district who have no means of transportation can request for free assistance to get to their vaccination appointments.
Kampung Tunku assemblyman Lim Yi Wei’s office has collaborated with on-demand car sharing platform GoCar Malaysia to provide free rides to the two vulnerable groups, which kicks off today.
She said this was one of their initiatives to help the nation fight the Covid-19 pandemic.
The free transportation is available to people living in Petaling Jaya, Subang Jaya, parts of Shah Alam and Kota Damansara, to be sent to any of the five vaccination centres comprising Sunway Pyramid Convention Centre, Hospital Shah Alam, University Malaya Medical Centre, Ideal Convention Centre in Shah Alam and Klinik Rakan Medik in Petaling Jaya.
“We will accommodate other areas if there is demand for it, but our priority is ensuring that the high-risk groups get vaccinated, ” said Lim.
She said GoCar reached out to offer its assistance after hearing her radio interview, where she mentioned the difficulties faced by seniors and people with disabilities who had problems getting transportation to vaccination centres.
“GoCar has agreed to provide the cars and drivers, while my office will spread the word about the free service.
“Those eligible can bring one other person to accompany them to the vaccination centre, ” she said.
On the GoCar website, the company acknowledged that transportation was often neglected despite it being an important element to help get people vaccinated.
As such, GoCar has collaborated with Lim’s office to start the GoVAX Shuttle Service initiative.
As of May 30, there were 66 requests for the free shuttle service.
GoCar fleet and all its staff including GoCar Malaysia chief executive officer Wong Hoe Mun are on standby to support this initiative.
Wong said they were looking for ways to do their part to help flatten the curve during the pandemic, be it providing free car usage to healthcare frontliners during the first movement control order, or by extending more savings to customers through multiple special offers.
“Now we are expanding support to senior citizens and people with disabilities.
“We are delighted to partner with Lim who has been tireless in championing this good cause, to solve the problems faced by these underrepresented groups, ” he added.
Eligible senior citizens must be above 60 years of age. Those who need the services can call 1300-30-2633 or request for GoVAX Shuttle Service via the GoCar mobile application.
Bookings must be made three days in advance. Drivers are limited.
Requests will be processed on a first come, first served basis. GoCar team will validate the request and contact the person within 24 hours.
The free GoVAX Shuttle Service ends on Aug 31.
