KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 13): The government's plan to include foreign nationals residing in Malaysia in the National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme, giving them access to and coverage of vaccines at no cost, is sound policy, said a think tank.

In a statement today, Galen Centre for Health and Social Policy chief executive Azrul Mohd Khalib said there has to be a vision to plan for the future.

“To reopen economic sectors, rebuild livelihoods and position Malaysia as a safe and responsible destination for investors, tourists and other countries, we need to ensure that the Covid-19 strategy such as rolling out the Covid-19 vaccines includes everyone, leaving no one behind.

"The coronavirus neither distinguishes nor cares whether or not a person is Malaysian, or what kind of documentation they carry. However, ensuring that everyone is vaccinated will make a significant difference,” he said.

Azrul said Malaysians living abroad are already getting vaccinated alongside the citizens of other countries, and are not excluded from vaccination programmes in those locations.

“Ensuring that as many people are vaccinated against Covid-19 without discrimination, bias or preference is a public health strategy towards achieving the objective of herd immunity.

“We will not be able to reach this objective if we are selective in who we vaccinate," he said.

Azrul added that countries which have taken this approach are already seeing significant and positive changes in their epidemics.

“Efforts to control the spread of Covid-19 in Malaysia will be strengthened by this decision,” he said.

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