THE Penang government is confident of at least 80% of its adult population receiving the first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine this Monday (Aug 23).
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said it is, however, subject to the vaccine supply given to the state under the National Covid-19 Immunisation Program (NIP).
“Penang also expects to have 50% of its adult population to receive their second dose by Aug 25.
“If we can receive a total of 917,220 doses of Covid-19 vaccine for August as scheduled earlier, then we are confident that these targets can be achieved.
“After all, every dose is important for us to achieve the herd immunity in the state and also for Penang to move on to the next phase of the National Recovery Plan (NRP),” Chow told reporters during his visit to the Design Village Mall in Bandar Cassia today.
Also present were Bukit Tambun assemblyman Goh Choon Aik, Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry (KPDNHEP) secretary-general Datuk Seri Hasnol Zam Zam Ahmad and KPDNHEP Penang director Mohd Ridzuan Abdul Ghapar.
Design Village Mall is one of the venues that has been approved by the Covid-19 Immunisation Task Force (CITF) to participate in the Retail Industry Vaccination (RiVAC) programme in Penang.
The mall has started its RiVAC programme on Aug 18 and is expected to administer a total of 800 doses daily till Aug 22.
Hasnol said currently there are nine RiVAC programmes being implemented in several locations in Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, Melaka, Selangor and Penang.
“From these nine RiVAC programmes, we have managed to successfully vaccinate 45,960 individuals and from that figure, 13,500 have completed taking both doses.
“At the same time, KPDNHEP is also currently discussing with several state governments, like Johor, Pahang and Kedah, to implement RiVAC programme.
“On behalf of KPDNHEP, I would like to urge employers from the retail industry to participate in the RiVAC programme to vaccinate their workers so that it can boost customer confidence to come to their shops,” he added.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Ahmad Adil Muhamad
Video by Muhamad Amir Irsyad Omar