PETALING JAYA: The government has sent out 31,776 vaccination appointments for those under phase two of the National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme although 57% did not respond, says coordinating minister Khairy Jamaluddin.
Of the 31,776 appointments sent out through the MySejahtera application and SMS, he said, 18,215 did not respond, 13,218 confirmed their appointment dates, and 343 declined.
Khairy noted that the government will send out 50,000 more appointment dates by Monday (April 12).
"I urge those who have received appointments to respond if they will be present on that day as this will allow us to make plans at the Vaccine Dispensing Centres.
"If we do not know how many will turn up, we are worried that it will result in wastage, not enough or too much of the vaccine will be brought there," he told a press conference on Monday.
Khairy, who is also Science, Technology and Innovation Minister, said those who declined the first appointment date will receive a second one later.
"If they still decline then we will check to find out why they do not want to go for the vaccination. We currently suspect (the reason they declined the appointment) is because the dates are not suitable for them," he said.
Phase two of the programme will begin on April 19 and involves senior citizens, persons with disabilities (PwDs) and those with comorbidities.