JOHOR BARU: The state government hopes that the National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme will help spearhead efforts to reopen cross-border travel between Malaysia and Singapore.
Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Hasni Mohammad said that the reopening of the border was vital in spurring the state’s economy.
“Once people from both countries have been vaccinated, the movement between our two countries will be easier and safe, ” he said.
The border with Singapore has been closed since the movement control order was first implemented in March 18 last year. Presently, only commercial vehicles ferrying goods ply the land border daily.
Hasni added that the state government was ready to carry out the immunisation programme via centres, which has been identified in each district statewide.
“We have also identified the necessary medical personnel needed to carry out the programme, ” he said, urging Johoreans to continue to follow the SOPs during the present MCO to check the spread of the virus.
Hasni stressed that the vaccine has brought about a ray of hope to the country especially Johor in the fight against Covid-19.
“We need to work together to win the war against this pandemic, ” he said, adding that the first batch of the Covid-19 vaccines arrived in the state on Sunday (Feb 21).
He added that media reports also showed that to date, some 205 million people have taken Covid-19 vaccines worldwide.
“This vaccine is not just to protect us but to allow us to form herd immunity to protect those whom we love, ” he said, assuring the public that the vaccine was safe to be taken based on assurances from the Health Ministry.
Hasni added that for a start, he and his state executive councillors would be among the first to take the vaccine when the programme starts in Johor.
Meanwhile as of Feb 21, the total number of Covid-19 positive cases statewide stands at 33,382 with 18,276 comprising locals and 15,106 foreigners.
The state has so far recorded 91 deaths.
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