Covid-19: Critical economic sector to be vaccinated under phase four of national plan

PETALING JAYA: The critical economic sector, especially workers in operations that need to operate during the movement control order, will be vaccinated under phase four of the National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme.

Its coordinating minister Khairy Jamaluddin said the manufacturing, logistics, transportation, energy and utility sectors would be included in phase four.

"The Covid-19 Immunisation Task Force (CITF) is working with the ministries such as International Trade and Industry Ministry (Miti), Transport Ministry, Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry, Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry, and other government agencies to implement phase four for the affected economy sectors that have to operate during the MCO," he said during a joint press conference with Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba on Wednesday (June 9).

Khairy also noted that the government would be working closely with ProtectHealth Sdh Bhd, a non-profit organisation under the Health Ministry, to manage the vaccination process for the industry sector to speed up the implementation of the immunisation programme for those in the industry.

He said phase four of the industry vaccination will roll out on June 16 in Pengerang, Johor.

“We have identified Pengerang complex as a high-risk area and we will be starting our industry vaccination centre for employees in the Petronas complex on June 16. Others (industry vaccinations) will follow, ” he said.

Khairy also addressed issues that certain companies were charging for vaccine administration costs.

Khairy said the industry vaccinations are based on a public-private partnership where industries that have to operate during the MCO are looking to vaccinate their employees.

“This means that the government offers the vaccine for free as per our commitment under the National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme, ” he said.

However, he noted that the industry will bear the cost of administering the vaccination, including the payment made to the healthcare organisation that is arranged by ProtectHealth.

This includes charges for the rental of premises and other services, he added.

“This is where there are inconsistencies in terms of the additional charges. CITF is working together with other agencies to set a schedule of fair and reasonable charges to be borne by the industry and companies participating in the vaccination centre industry programme," he said.