The Sultan of Selangor said the distribution of the Covid-19 vaccine to the state was “unfair” as the government revealed that the vaccination rate nationwide will hit 300,000 a day by August.
In a statement today, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah said he was shocked to hear that only 615,210 doses had been given to Selangor, instead of the 2.9 million doses previously claimed.
“This is unfair when the ratio of the vaccine doses is not proportionate to the total population of Selangor, which stands at 6.5 million,” said Sultan Sharafuddin.
“Selangor is the biggest contributor to Malaysia’s gross domestic product (GDP) and as such, priority must be given to the state.
“In this current situation, the lives of the rakyat must take priority over other considerations.”
Sultan Sharafuddin said there should be more vaccination centres in the state, especially in the rural areas. He suggested drive-through vaccination centres or mobile clinics to help speed up the vaccination process.
He also praised the Selangor government’s efforts in aggressively carrying out Covid-19 swab tests for free throughout the state.
“I would advise the rakyat who have received their Covid-19 vaccinations to remain cautious.”
Later in the day, coordinating minister for the National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme, Khairy Jamaluddin revealed that the vaccination rate would hit 300,000 a day by August – depending on the arrival of the vaccines.
“We are targeting a vaccination rate of 200,000 daily by next month, and 300,000 a day by August. If this can be done, I’m confident we can achieve the target of vaccinating 80 per cent of the population by October,” Khairy said.
Malaysia today recorded 5,566 new Covid-19 cases. Selangor still topped the list at 1,524 new cases, followed by Sarawak (707 cases), and Kuala Lumpur (466).
Here are Twentytwo13’s news highlights for today.
CABINET TO GET LRT CRASH REPORT TOMORROW
Transport Minister Datuk Seri Wee Ka Siong said the investigation report into the collision involving two Light Rail Transit (LRT) trains on May 24 will be presented during the Cabinet meeting tomorrow.
Wee, in congratulating the investigation committee for their work, said he was satisfied with the comprehensive report.
He said the report also provided suggestions to improve safety and the standard operating procedures.
GOVT AGENCIES TO GO CASHLESS NEXT YEAR
Government services will adopt cashless payments by 2022, revealed Finance Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz.
He said this move, which is part of the recently launched MyDigital initiative, will lead to higher transactional security, better coordination, enhanced communication, and greater ease of data sharing.
Zafrul revealed 60 per cent of the government’s total collection, as at the end of last year, was through e-payment.
MALAYSIA SUSPENDS IMPORT OF CATTLE, BUFFALOES FROM THAILAND
The Veterinary Services Department said the import of cattle and buffaloes from Thailand has been suspended with immediate effect.
This comes following the transmission of the Lumpy Skin Disease, which was reported to have spread to over 41 provinces in Thailand.
The department advised industry players to report to the state or district veterinary authorities if their cattle or buffaloes showed signs of being infected with the disease.
NURUL IZZAH’S OBJECTION OF PENANG SOUTH RECLAMATION PROJECT A BREATH OF FRESH AIR
Permatang Pauh MP Nurul Izzah Anwar deserves commendation for coming out strongly against the Penang South Reclamation (PSR) Project.
Her stance on this issue has validated the years of struggle by Penang Forum and other civil society organisations against the Penang government’s decision to embark on a massive reclamation project to finance the Penang Transport Masterplan (PTMP), said Universiti Sains Malaysia’s Centre for Policy Research and International Studies director, Assoc Prof Dr Azeem Fazwan Ahmad Farouk.
HARD TASKMASTER ON THE HOCKEY FIELD, WHIZZ IN THE KITCHEN – FAREWELL WILLIAM FIDELIS
Hockey icon William Fidelis, who died yesterday, coached countless national players, including Olympians. What many do not know was that he was also a good cook.
His nephew, Twentytwo13’s executive editor Graig Nunis pays tribute to the 87-year-old.
