KUCHING: A total of 2,428,289 people, or 86 per cent of Sarawak’s total population, had received two doses of the COVID-19 vaccination, as of Sept 20.
Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas said that the state has also administered the first booster dose to 1,652,142 persons, or 90 per cent of the eligible population in the state.
“At present, a total of 41,551 people, or 8.3 per cent of the eligible population, have received the second booster dose,” he said at the COVID-19 Frontliners Appreciation Night, which was officiated by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) yesterday.
Elaborating further, Uggah, who is also the State Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) chairman, stated that Sarawak is one of Malaysia’s top-performing states and has a high acceptance rate for the COVID-19 immunisation for children between the ages of 5 and 11.
On another note, the deputy premier claimed that strong and compassionate leaders, a well-established SDMC, and frontliners, including Sarawakians themselves, were responsible for the state’s success in managing COVID-19.
“Sarawak has a very compassionate, wise, brave, dedicated and firm leader. He is none other than our premier.
“In order to manage the impacts of COVID-19 in Sarawak, he established three major committees — the SDMC, Food Distribution Committee and Border Security Committee,” he said.
He noted that the financial support — RM300 million for the operation to tackle COVID-19, and over RM7 billion on the various aid packages under the Bantuan Khas Sarawakku Sayang (BKSS) — also displayed the premier’s compassion.
“In addition, Abang Johari keeps some money set aside in case we need to purchase vaccines. Because in his eyes, vaccination is the best way to protecting the lives of Sarawakians,” Uggah pointed out.
He added that in addition to the federal government’s prompt provision of vaccines, Abang Johari had made sure that the state received timely and sufficient quantities of vaccines.
“SDMC, which has helped with crisis management, is also helping Sarawak survive the pandemic.
“They were supported by the state Health Department, Sarawak COVID-19 Vaccination Group led by Datuk Dr Andrew Kiyu, Institute of Health, Community Medicine in UNIMAS led by Prof David Perera and Malaysian Medical Council (MMC).
“SDMC has also been successful in getting both the public and private sectors to play their parts.
“Last but not least, it is the frontliners and people of Sarawak that made this possible.
“SDMC would also like to express their heartfelt gratitude to all Sarawakians who have remained patient during these challenging times,” said Uggah.
