No intention to make Covid-19 vaccination mandatory among civil servants, says minister

KUALA LUMPUR: The government has no intention to make Covid-19 vaccination mandatory, including for an estimated 1.6 million civil servants, says Datuk Dr Abdul Latiff Ahmad.

The Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Special Functions) told the Dewan Rakyat that the national vaccination process was still ongoing based on a voluntary basis.

"However, if the government wants to make it mandatory or to ensure all 1.6 million civil servants is vaccinated, it will require several conditions and regulations as well as engagement so it can be done reasonably," he told Datuk Shahruddin Md Salleh (Pejuang-Seri Gading) during Minister's Question Time on Tuesday (Oct 12).

Shahruddin had asked whether the government will take legal action against civil servants who refuse to get vaccinated.

According to Abdul Latiff, a total of 98.18% of the 1.6 million civil servants have received complete doses of a Covid-19 vaccine.

"It means that only about 1.82% have not been vaccinated," he said.

Asked on the assurance that those who are unvaccinated will not affect public health, Abdul Latiff said currently there was no law to compel or force them to be vaccinated.

"But in Singapore, for instance, they have laws to make it mandatory but we have yet to reach that level.

"There are several methods that can be used by the authorities.

"For instance, those who are not vaccinated cannot dine-in with their family members at restaurants as operators only allow those who are fully vaccinated.

"After a while, they will realise that they cannot enjoy the same benefits as others.

"Although we do not force them, but they will realise slowly," he said.

Asked on how the government will deal with those who are vaccine sceptics among professionals such as doctors and religious leaders, Abdul Latiff said that the government was aware of such groups who are also influential.

"Only when they are infected, will they know the suffering, especially if they are at Category 4, 5 or even admitted to the ICU.

"That is why the government will carry out engagements.

"And in the end, they have to make their own decisions. So far, we do not make it mandatory like in Canada as their anti-vaccination group is too exposed.

"In Malaysia, we still have space for discussions.

"For instance, the Orang Asli community, we discussed it with their community leaders and tok batin and in the end they accept it.

"So the matter can be achieved. And Malaysia can do it without any compulsion," he added.