Industrial workers in Penang, Selangor, to be prioritised for Covid jabs, says Azmin

Manufacturing and industrial workers, especially in Penang and Selangor, will be prioritised in the administration of the Covid-19 vaccine, says International Trade and Industry Minister Mohamed Azmin Ali.

Azmin said the two states were industrial zones with vibrant economic activities contributing to the country’s economy.

“These are the zones where the workers will be given priority to receive the injections,” he told reporters after distributing bubur lambuk or rice porridge to the public in Hulu Kelang yesterday.

He was commenting on the statement by Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow who said the state government was still waiting for a response from the federal government regarding the call for industrial and manufacturing sector workers, categorised as economic frontliners, to be given priority in receiving the Covid-19 vaccine.

Azmin said the government was committed to ensuring that the Covid-19 National Immunisation Programme could be implemented as quickly as possible, including providing vaccine injections to foreign workers.

“They (the workers) play an important role in restoring the country’s economy and if the vaccines can reach Malaysia on schedule, the vaccination process could be completed by the end of the year.

“So far, the supply of vaccines is running smoothly. We were informed that in May and June, the supply will increase significantly and this will speed up the immunisation process,” he said.

Asked about the ministry’s actions if the country is faced with a fourth wave of Covid-19 as the industrial sector is currently operating at full capacity, he said it was ready to take any action based on the risk assessment submitted by the health ministry.