OVER half a million people in Penang have taken their first dose of vaccine under the National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme (NIP), says Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.
He said as of last night, a total of 505,640 people or 37% of the adult population in Penang have received their first jab and 213,793 people or 15.6% have completed their second jab.
“We hope that those who have not been vaccinated yet will get their first dose of vaccine by early September. This is one of our two targets for now.
“The second target is to get 40% of the adult population complete their second dose of vaccine and we’re optimistic of achieving this before the end of August,” Chow said during a visit to the vaccination centre (PPV) at Jabil Circuit Sdn Bhd in Bayan Lepas Free Industrial Zone today.
Chow’s confidence stems from the fact that the state, which is strongly supporting the NIP, is currently able to administer about 15,000 doses daily.
He also congratulated Jabil for setting up the PPV under the Public-Private Partnership Covid-19 Industry Immunisation Programme (Pikas) to inoculate its over 15,000 employees.
“Jabil has the capacity of administering 1,500 doses daily. This will help our country achieve herd immunity.
“This coming week, six more PPVs in Penang will be in operation and we believe that with the PPVs available, Penang can achieve its targets.
“Looking at the statistics, we can achieve the 40% of the adult population getting their second dose by the third week of August.
“This is one of the indicators that we need to fulfil to move to the third phase of the National Recovery Plan (NRP), which also depends on daily cases and the state’s health facilities,” Chow added.
Over the past few days, Chow had been visiting PPVs like Pusat Konvensyen Perda in Tasek Gelugor, Dewan Milennium in Kepala Batas, Dewan Serbaguna Sungai Bakap in Nibong Tebal, Intel Technology Sdn Bhd and Plexus Manufacturing Sdn Bhd to check their vaccination process as well as to give his moral support.
He said the state hopes that the Ministry of International Trade and Industries (Miti) would allow Jabil and other Pikas PPVs, which want to serve the rakyat after having completed inoculating their workers and those from nearby factories, to do so.
Chow is confident of the support by Miti as well as Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (Mosti).
Jabil managing director Tan Siew Jin said at Jabil, the health and safety of their employees is their priority.
“With the identification of the B1351 and the Delta variant in Malaysia, more than ever, it is important for us to get vaccinated.
“Since the start of the year, we have been working hard to prioritise the vaccination of Jabil employees.
“Today, we stand here with pride as the Jabil Penang PPV takes off. This success will not be possible without the dedication of many, and I would like to thank those who have worked tirelessly to make this happen.
“I would like to thank the Chief Minister for his presence today and for his support during a challenging time. Fighting Covid-19 is a never-ending battle, and we continue to partner and work closely with the state government and the Health Ministry to curb the spread of Covid-19,” Tan said.
Also present during the visit were state Entrepreneurial Development, Trade and Industry Committee chairman Datuk Abdul Halim Hussain and Miti Penang director Jegan Subramaniam.
At hand to welcome and show Chow and Abdul Halim around the PPV were Tan, senior financial controller Chen Kah Chun, Jabil Penang PPV manager Jayasugunthan Velangkany and administration services manager Jenny See.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Mohamad Amir Irsyad Omar
Video by Alissala Thian