Tiong (second right) speaks to Bintulu Health officer Dr Melvin Chung (second left) and staff at the PPV at Dewan Sri Kenyalang, UPM, Bintulu.
BINTULU (June 14): The authorities are currently studying the possibility of increasing the number of vaccination centres (PPVs) in densely populated areas here in an effort to address the high vaccination demand and achieve herd immunity as soon as possible, said Bintulu MP Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing.
He said although there are several vaccination centres in Bintulu, it is still insufficient.
“We are studying the establishment of additional vaccination centres from various perspectives, including recruitment of additional human resources and identification of suitable sites, spaces and others to expedite the vaccination for the people in Bintulu,” he said in a press statement.
He personally visited the two PPVs in Bintulu and also inspected the potential locations in the Kidurong area to be made as a PPV yesterday.
In the meantime, Tiong urged the companies or industrial sector and enterprises to cooperate with the government in vaccinating the industrial workers, but the employers must bear the costs.
Regarding the vaccination programme, he advised the public to only come to the PPV according to the appointment schedule given through MySejahtera application to avoid congestion.
He said the whole vaccination process has been neatly planned and work arrangements are made in an orderly manner, which also to prevent cross -infection.
“There were some who thought they could ‘cut the line’ by arriving a few hours early before appointment time, but ended up frustrated which in turn sparked an altercation with staff at the PPV. This is an outrageous and undesirable act” said Tiong.
He said the people only need to arrive at the PPV according to their appointment time, as everyone has a chance to be vaccinated, instead of creating chaos by jumping the queue.
Perhaps out of frustration, Tiong said some individuals were using old photos to be posted on social media and spreading rumours.
“If they truly reflect the real situation or provide constructive advice, we will certainly be grateful and would take seriously the issues that arise.
“This is a critical period in our fight against this epidemic, the authorities are working hard to vaccinate the people for the health of everyone, and we hope the people will cooperate to maintain harmony and achieve our common goal of herd immunity,” Tiong said.
He also urged the police to thoroughly investigate any user who had caused panic by posting unverified and fake news or photographs on social media.
Tiong said these individuals must be stopped from breaking the people’s unity and harmony.
“If such things continue and be allowed to continue, when are our people going to learn self-discipline, cooperation and unity, and how long will this Covid-19 pandemic end,” he added.