Kadim (third left) is joined by other staff and volunteers for a group photo to commemorate the milestone. – Photo from Unimas/Facebook
KOTA SAMARAHAN (June 19): The Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) Covid-19 vaccination centre (PPV) is now a mega vaccinating centre for the state after successfully inoculating 5,000 doses of vaccines last night, said Local Government and Housing Minister Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian.
Dr Sim, who is also Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) advisor, said this was a tremendous achievement considering this milestone was reached on the fifth day of operations at the Unimas’ PPV.
In his Facebook post last night, Dr Sim hailed the Sarawak spirit of ‘Agi Idup Agi Ngelaban’ involved in the milestone.
He revealed that the Unimas’ PPV started off 1,000 vaccinations on the first day, followed by 3,000 vaccinations on the third day before achieving the 5,000-mark last night.
According to Dr Sim, the Unimas’ PPV had yesterday registered its 2,000th inoculation by 12.30pm, 3,000th inoculation by 3pm, 4,000th inoculation by 5.30pm and the 5,000th inoculation at 8pm.
“This is truly extraordinary efforts befitting the crisis that we faced… (This was) Only possible not because of teamwork or good leadership but awesome teamwork with passion and great leadership of Unimas vice chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Mohamad Kadim Suaidi.
“More importantly, (this is) tremendous reassurance for the future of Sarawak as we need this type of university with Sarawak spirit to train the future generations of Sarawakians, so that from the jungle of Borneo, we can compete with the best in the world.
“You’ll never walk alone. Let’s fight Covid-19 together,” he said.
Kadim (left) candidly points to the 5,000th person who was registered for vaccination last night. – Photo from Unimas/Facebook
Higher Education Minister Datuk Noraini Ahmad on her Facebook page also praised Unimas for the historic feat achieved in implementing the Covid-19 National Immunisation Programme (PICK) in Sarawak.
She said this was the biggest vaccination programme for Sarawak to date.
“Congratulations and job well done to Prof Datuk Dr Mohamad Kadim Suaidi, and all the volunteers comprising staff and students of the university who are working together to achieve this success.
“It is hoped that their efforts will help expedite the nation’s target of achieving herd community,” she said.
Unimas through its Facebook page provided updates on how and when the milestone was achieved, with Kadim and other senior staff members being photographed at the PPV.
It said that the 5,000th person to be inoculated was registered at 7.50pm and this means that the PPV has now become a mega vaccination centre.
Kadim in his remarks after the milestone was achieved attributed it the excellent teamwork among those involved in the PPV.
“Our biggest asset is always our people who are dynamic, resourceful and very committed group of individuals. Proud to work with all of you,” he said on his Facebook page.
It had been reported previously that Unimas’ PPV aimed to administer 5,000 vaccine shots daily, involving 600 Unimas staff consisting of 150 with medical background including doctors and nurses while 450 are non-medical staff including students and other volunteers.