PETALING JAYA: A number of vaccination centres (PPV) in the Klang Valley will gradually close starting tomorrow as a large proportion of the residents have been fully vaccinated following the launch of Operation Surge Capacity.
Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (Mitec) acting chief executive officer Mala Dorasamy confirmed that today is the last day of operation for the convention centre to vaccinate the final batch of some 8,000 recipients.
“Mitec was specifically for walk-ins, those over 60, second-dose recipients and people with disabilities.
“From Sunday onwards, most people would have received their second dose. Those who need to have their jabs after that will be redirected to clinics.
“Since many people here have been vaccinated, a number of the mega PPV are closing down,” she said, adding that Mitec will remain open for the Public-Private Partnership Industrial Covid-19 Immunisation Programme (Pikas) until Aug 31.
It is learnt that other than the Klang Valley, some mega PPV in states with high vaccination rates will also be closed down throughout August and September.
The other mega PPV that are confirmed to be closing down in the Klang Valley include the Setia City Convention Centre, Ideal Convention Centre (IDCC), UiTM Puncak Alam, UiTM Shah Alam, parts of the KL Convention Centre and the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching in Sarawak.
As at Aug 20, 78.8% of adults in the Klang Valley have been fully vaccinated against Covid-19.
A volunteer who only wanted to be known as Sasha, 29, said the PPV at the IDCC where she’s stationed at, and Setia City, where her elder sister is a volunteer, are closing down tomorrow.
“The remaining vaccine recipients would be directed to other nearby PPV or clinics. The people should regularly check and update their MySejahtera app for the latest updates,” she said.
A call to the Premier Hotel in Klang also confirmed today is the last day, while the rest of the second dose recipients would be redirected and notified.
When contacted, World Trade Centre KL (WTCKL) executive director Datuk Seri Dr Irmohizam Ibrahim said the PPV at the entire trade centre is not winding down operations yet.
“There are no instructions to wind down operations so far. Until now, we are still giving out the second doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine.
“We are also reaching our one-millionth dose mark on Aug 29,” he said, adding that any instructions would come from the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry.
Being one of the first few mega PPV in the city, he added that WTCKL, which has a proven track record in crowd and traffic control, flow, ventilation, space management and vaccine storage, is ready to become the central vaccination centre for all vaccines later.
Health Ministry secretary-general Datuk Mohd Shafiq Abdullah confirmed that some PPV in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor will be closed as the particular areas have achieved their vaccination targets.
He said each PPV has its designated capacity for vaccination and a PPV will be closed if there is no requirement for these capacities.
“Any closure will be done based on data that looks at the need for vaccines at a certain place and the reality on the ground, as all our actions are evidence-based.
“We want to optimise existing resources while balancing the need to ensure those who have yet to get vaccinated get theirs soon.
“The rationalisation process is dynamic. If all of the population in an area have been vaccinated, then there’s no need for more PPV there.
“The resources can then be remobilised at other PPV and states,” he said when contacted.
Mohd Shafiq added that Health Ministry clinics and private general practitioners (GPs) can assist in ensuring complete vaccination is done.
He said the ministry views the vaccination programme seriously to stop the infections.
“That’s why we do not simply close down any PPV hastily without proper study and engagement with stakeholders in the Covid-19 Immunisation Taskforce (CITF) and each state health department,” he said.
Mohd Shafiq noted that some other PPV are still operating and their closure will only be finalised based on the latest evidence and observation.
“We cannot make decisions in a vacuum. We must reach a consensus so that everyone is on the same page,” he added.
Malaysian Medical Association president Datuk Dr Subramaniam Muniandy called for 8,000 private GPs nationwide to be roped in for the National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme’s final lap.
Most people, he said, find it more convenient to go to a private GP for their vaccinations.
“We are puzzled as to why the CITF recently decided to stop vaccination appointments at 741 private GP clinics, several private hospitals and ambulatory care centres in Selangor,” he added.
Dr Subramaniam said there are 741 private clinics in the Klang Valley participating in the national vaccination programme.
