Govt must prepare sufficient vaccines as Covid-19 cases continue to rise, says KJ

ISKANDAR PUTERI: A sufficient supply of vaccines must be prepared by the government to safeguard Malaysians against the rising cases of Covid-19, says a former health minister.

Khairy Jamaluddin said that early preparations must be made to ensure that the increasing cases do not put strain on the Health Ministry in terms of bed capacity and ICU treatment.

“The number of Covid-19 cases is increasing and we do not want to be in a situation where it puts pressure on our public health system.

“We might need to look into the recent advice given by the Health Minister (Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad) regarding giving vaccinations on a volunteer basis.

“This is important, especially to those in the high-risk category, namely the elderly and those with underlying health conditions,” he said.

Khairy, who is the Johor Youth Advisor said this when met by reporters after officiating the Johor Youth Chamber conference at Dewan Mesyuarat Blok C, Bangunan Dato’ Jaafar Muhammad, Kota Iskandar, here on Saturday (Dec 16).

The Health Ministry was also urged to create regulations on the sale of vape products as there were no laws governing their sale and use of the e-cigarettes, he added.

“The former Health Minister Dr. Zaliha Mustafa, has removed the nicotine liquids and gels used in e-cigarettes and vape products under the Poisons Act 1954.

“So now the ministry needs to be fast in coming up with regulations to control the sale of vape, because these days you can easily buy one in a sundry store or restaurant without any strict regulations,” he said, adding that this should not be allowed.

Any new regulation can only be made after the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health 2023 Bill is passed, he added.

“The ministry should set where these products (vapes) can be sold,” he added.

On April 1, the Health Ministry, in a gazetted notice, removed nicotine liquids and gels used in e-cigarettes and vape products under the Poisons Act.

On Nov 30, Dewan Rakyat gave its nod of approval to the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health 2023, after two days of debate.

Dr Zaliha tabled the Bill for the third reading, which was then unanimously approved by the lawmakers via voice vote.