Lam Thye: Govt should address vaccine hesitancy issue effectively to ensure herd immunity

PETALING JAYA: The government should address the issue of vaccine hesitancy among Malaysians more effectively to ensure herd immunity, says Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye.

"Doubts have been created about the ability to inoculate 9.4 million people between now and August which is a requisite to achieve 80% herd immunity," he said in a statement on Sunday (March 28).

Lee, who is Alliance for Safe Community chairman, said there were several reasons why there are doubts on authorities achieving this target.

"First, the existence of anti-vaxxers, naysayers, scepticism over what some see as the practice of double standards, and general lethargy.

"This must be adequately and relentlessly addressed by the government," he said.

He suggested that the Covid-19 Vaccination Advisory Committee seek the help and cooperation of community-based NGOs and religious bodies, and initiate awareness campaigns in various languages to allay unfounded fears over the vaccine.

Lee also said that the long waiting period for vaccination for those not in the critical category is another reason.

"It would help, if at some stage, the government allows private medical centres and private clinics to purchase the vaccines and vaccinate those who can afford to pay.

"These steps will go a long way to expedite the 80% vaccination target and reduce the period of stress and anxiety that is now enveloping the nation," he added.

Meanwhile, Lee called on Malaysians to be extra vigilant to stem the spread of the virus following recent warnings by the Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah of a possible rise in the number of Covid-19 cases.

"Make no mistake, the threat is real and we let our guard down at our own peril.

"We must never be complacent," he added.

He noted that Malaysia is currently ranked 45th in the list of 216 countries affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.

"It is currently in the pandemic’s third wave which started worldwide in September last year.

"This wave is expected to be worse than the last two," he added.

Lee said that it is crucial for all to strictly follow Covid-19 standard operating procedures, especially with some restrictions having been relaxed or modified.

He added that the public can assist authorities in this matter by ensuring that the SOP is complied with.

"If you see anybody not wearing face masks or not keeping a safe physical distance, it is all right, and indeed our duty, to gently advise that person," he said.

He said that violations of SOP by an individual not only endangers himself but puts others at risk.