PETALING JAYA: As Malaysia plans to ease restrictions for those fully vaccinated against Covid-19, it must be done in a controlled manner to avoid any grave repercussions, says Khairy Jamaluddin.
The National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme Coordinating Minister said the highly infectious Delta variant could result in serious problems as seen in some countries that have removed the restrictions too early.
In saying that he is more conservative in his assessment as to when the restrictions should be lifted, Khairy said he would be presenting evidence from other countries to the government.
"I understand those who are fully vaccinated want to enjoy some freedom but as the minister in charge, I have to advise the government that we have to allow the opening up in a careful and controlled manner,” he said in an interview.
Recently, Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said dine-in, sports and social activities were among the privileges that the government was considering to extend to those who have received two full doses of the Covid-19 vaccine.
Khairy said he was of the opinion that the vaccination rate should reach a certain threshold before the government could consider offering people some relaxation on the present restrictions.
"I believe we have to be more careful when we remove these restrictions.
"There is an ongoing discussion by the National Security Council (NSC) as to when, at what stage and how we can allow this to happen in a controlled manner.
"I will be updating the NSC on the situation in other countries that have lifted restrictions for those who are fully vaccinated but recorded an increase in the number of cases due to the Delta variant.
"So this is a matter that we have to look into carefully before any announcement is made,” he said.
On concerns raised that mega vaccine dispensing centres (PPVs) could lead to a new cluster as occurred in Shah Alam recently, Khairy said the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) would carry out checks at these facilities to ensure proper ventilation.
"We have asked NIOSH personnel to continue inspecting all other PPVs,” he said, adding that NIOSH had visited World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTCKL) on July 13 to do a study on the indoor air quality and carry out walk-through inspections.
"Various ventilation indicators were measured and the conclusion was that the situation in WTCKL was satisfactory, so we have asked them to continue checking other PPVs,” he said.
On postponing vaccination for adolescents aged between 12 and 17 due to concerns of heart inflammation issues, Khairy said experts felt that cases of myocarditis and pericarditis from real world data in the United States was "a little worrying”.
The National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme Coordinating Minister said the highly infectious Delta variant could result in serious problems as seen in some countries that have removed the restrictions too early.
In saying that he is more conservative in his assessment as to when the restrictions should be lifted, Khairy said he would be presenting evidence from other countries to the government.
"I understand those who are fully vaccinated want to enjoy some freedom but as the minister in charge, I have to advise the government that we have to allow the opening up in a careful and controlled manner,” he said in an interview.
Recently, Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said dine-in, sports and social activities were among the privileges that the government was considering to extend to those who have received two full doses of the Covid-19 vaccine.
Khairy said he was of the opinion that the vaccination rate should reach a certain threshold before the government could consider offering people some relaxation on the present restrictions.
"I believe we have to be more careful when we remove these restrictions.
"There is an ongoing discussion by the National Security Council (NSC) as to when, at what stage and how we can allow this to happen in a controlled manner.
"I will be updating the NSC on the situation in other countries that have lifted restrictions for those who are fully vaccinated but recorded an increase in the number of cases due to the Delta variant.
"So this is a matter that we have to look into carefully before any announcement is made,” he said.
On concerns raised that mega vaccine dispensing centres (PPVs) could lead to a new cluster as occurred in Shah Alam recently, Khairy said the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) would carry out checks at these facilities to ensure proper ventilation.
"We have asked NIOSH personnel to continue inspecting all other PPVs,” he said, adding that NIOSH had visited World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTCKL) on July 13 to do a study on the indoor air quality and carry out walk-through inspections.
"Various ventilation indicators were measured and the conclusion was that the situation in WTCKL was satisfactory, so we have asked them to continue checking other PPVs,” he said.
On postponing vaccination for adolescents aged between 12 and 17 due to concerns of heart inflammation issues, Khairy said experts felt that cases of myocarditis and pericarditis from real world data in the United States was "a little worrying”.
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