One of the most adversely affected economic sectors in Malaysia during this Covid-19 pandemic has got to be the retail sector. With a ‘total lockdown’ to be implemented this 1 June 2021, we could see curtains closing on many retail outlets that have been part of our daily lives pre-Covid.
However, despite the ominous doom and gloom that the sector is facing, maybe there is light at the end of the tunnel. That light could be in the form of Covid-19 vaccination that will be received by more than half a million workers in the retail sector.
KPDNHEP Minister, Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi.
As reported by national news agency Bernama, Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (KPDNHEP) Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi in a statement yesterday asserted that the much awaited vaccination programme for the retail sector will begin in June this year. He also clarified that KPDNHEP will be coordinating the programme with all the related industry players in conjunction with the Covid-19 Immunisation Task Force (CITF).
The KPDNHEP Minister stressed,
“Considering the COVID-19 pandemic situation which is on the rise, there is a need to speed up giving the vaccination to the economic frontliners, especially workers in the retail sector, to achieve herd immunity in the country.”
The programme will be vaccinating more than 500,000 workers in the retail industry. A meeting with CITF, associations and retail industry players were also held yesterday to clarify its details.
For illustrative purposes.
Alexander Nanta Linggi also calls for companies that are keen to participate in the programme to submit their applications via the Malaysian Covid-19 vaccine website here. Alternatively, they could also liasie with KPDNHEP through the Distributive Trade and Services Industry Secretariat (SPIP) at hotline 03- 8882 5881/5905 or via e-mail to spip@kpdnhep.gov.my.
What do you guys think of this move by the government? Would this allow for the retail sector to be open sooner during the total lockdown that our country is implementing soon? Share your thoughts with us in the comments.
Also read: Man Hilariously Brings DIY Mask To Vaccination Centre In Langkawi For ‘Extra Protection’
