Sinovac vaccine cheaper as bottling will be done locally, says Khairy

The government is paying less for the Covid-19 vaccine developed by China’s Sinovac as the bottling process will be carried out in Malaysia, says Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Khairy Jamaluddin.

He said Pharmaniaga Bhd would be overseeing the bottling process for the vaccine, which is expected to be ready for distribution by the end of March.

“I reiterate that the cost of this vaccine is cheaper as it will be bottled here and not in China. If (bottled) in China, the cost is much higher.

“Pharmaniaga has been entrusted with the task of overseeing the bottling process and the cost was presented to the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) and they have agreed to the price mentioned,” he told reporters after attending a ceremony for the signing of an agreement between Pharmaniaga and Sinovac for bulk supply of the vaccine.

He said Pharmaniaga had been tasked with managing the bottling process as the company has the capacity to implement it according to the set guidelines.

However, he declined to disclose detailed information on the procurement of the vaccine, saying he is bound by the non-disclosure agreement with the vaccine manufacturer.

He said the government would seek halal status for the Sinovac vaccine prior to its distribution.

“The Indonesia Ulema Council has verified the halal status of this vaccine and we will do the same with Jakim (Department of Islamic Development Malaysia).

“We will verify that this vaccine is safe for use by Muslims,” he said.