Drive-through centres to be set up at army camps

Close observation: Ismail Sabri (left) looking on as a frontliner administers a Covid-19 vaccine jab during the drive-through vaccination programme at the Lok Kawi army camp in Kota Kinabalu. — Bernama

KOTA KINABALU: A total of 20 drive-through vaccination administration centres (PPV) will be set up at army camps nationwide to cater to military personnel, their families and Defence Ministry civil staff, according to Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

Speaking to reporters after visiting the drive-through vaccination programme at the Lok Kawi army camp yesterday, the Defence Minister said Sabah military personnel had recorded a 95% vaccination rate.

“In Sabah, we have about 11,000 military personnel – army, navy and air force – and about 10,400 have either received their first or second dose, so that leaves us with about 600 more.

“We are expecting 99% of them to get vaccinated. The balance may be stationed outside for duty and other tasks,” he said.

Ismail Sabri said it was important to achieve herd immunity among military personnel as they were frontliners.

“They are involved in Ops Benteng and manning roadblocks.

“If they get infected, it will be hard to mobilise the frontliners, so immunisation is very important,” he said.

On the event, he said Lok Kawi was the third drive-through vaccination programme after the Sungai Besi camp and Kem Muara Tuang in Sarawak.

It lasted six hours from 8am with 636 people comprising military personnel, family members, Defence Ministry civil staff members and reserve army officers getting jabs through three vehicle channels and six jab stations.

Ismail Sabri said out of 5,000 military staff at Lok Kawi camp, 4,800 had been immunised.

To a question on whether they planned to open the drive-through vaccination to the public, he said: “Yes, after the families and army veterans are done, maybe we can consider opening to the public. For example, in Lok Kawi, we can offer to nearby communities.

“If the Sabah government needs our assistance for drive-through vaccination for the public, we will assist,” he said.

On the possible extension of the ongoing lockdown, which is slated to end tomorrow, Ismail Sabri said: “Wait, if there is any development, I will announce it tomorrow (today).’”