Names of logistics workers submitted for Covid-19 jab

PETALING JAYA: A list of names of eligible vaccine recipients working in the logistics industry have been submitted to the Covid-19 Immunisation Task Force (CITF), says Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong.

The Transport Minister said that workers in the industry need to be vaccinated as soon as possible, alongside others in the wider spectrum of the transport industry.

He said the list includes aviation and airport employees serving under Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB), Malaysia Airlines Berhad, AirAsia, Malindo Air, and ports and seafarers under the ministry's purview.

"Everything is being done to hasten the delivery of the vaccines for the men and women of this sector.

"This would also help the country prepare to reopen its air borders and expedite economic recovery once it is safe to do so," he said in a statement on Wednesday (June 9).

He added that as of June 4, a total of 1, 725 (or 19%) of 9, 340 eligible staff members under MAHB and its subsidiaries have been vaccinated.

"A total of 399 staff members are not eligible due to factors determined by the Health Ministry, including pregnant or nursing mothers or other medical conditions," he explained.

He also said that he had spoken to Khairy Jamaluddin, the National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme coordinating minister, on the matter.

"He has assured us that the CITF will expedite the vaccination programme for the logistics sector.

"We are acutely aware that the logistics industry has borne the brunt of the Covid-19 pandemic since it hit our shores more than a year ago.

"Yet the selfless and tireless workers in the logistics sector, be it aviation or ports, have continued to ensure that vaccines for Malaysia can be brought into the country and delivered to the vaccination centres efficiently and without unnecessary hindrance," he said.