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KUALA LUMPUR: Covid-19 vaccines could cost the government at least RM3bil once they are available next year, says Khairy Jamaluddin.
The Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation (Mosti) said that this would be the cost if 70% of the population is immunized.
“I have spoken to the Ministry of Finance and have informed them that we will need to reserve at least RM3bil to immunize 70% of the population,” said in response to Datuk Seri Dr. Dzulkefly Ahmad (PH-Kuala Selangor), who urged the government to provide increased allocations for the Ministry of Health and Mosti to ensure that more Malaysians are vaccinated.
Khairy said the first vaccine supplies are expected to be available in the first quarter of 2021, and priority will be given to 3% of the population, comprising front-line people from various sectors such as health and safety.
Khairy said the government would use a multi-pronged approach to allow Malaysians to have guaranteed access to the Covid-19 vaccine.
He said that, according to the latest list from the World Health Organization (WHO), 202 vaccine candidates are being developed and, of there, 10 are already in the third phase of clinical trials.
“Through various approaches, from diplomacy to science, Malaysia has had some negotiations and is wrapping up with vaccine developers globally, including China.
“Apart from that, we are also in the final stages of negotiation to participate in global access to the Covid-19 vaccine (Covax) to gain access to the supply of the Covid-19 vaccine,” he said.
The maximum price set for the Covid-19 vaccine offered to Malaysia at Covax facilities is $ 21 each, he added.
Khairy said discussions are underway between his ministry, along with the Health Ministry, the Finance Ministry and the Attorney General’s Office on the matter.
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