Anti-vaxxers need to respect others; Health Ministry implementing its public duty



Protecting the health, safety and life of everyone is the utmost human right. With restrictions in Malaysia being gradually relaxed as our country moves towards the new normal of coexisting with an endemic, the Health Ministry continues to actively promote vaccination for all and fulfil its responsibility of safeguarding public health and safety.

Malaysia has not enacted any legislation to render mandatory inoculation for citizens. The rakyat have the right to opt not to be vaccinated. However, if anti-vaxxers spread misinformation about vaccines, this alarmist move has the potential to mislead. Attempting to instigate people to stir dissatisfaction and misunderstand the government’s National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme is definitely unethical or even unlawful.

Although it is not illegal to refuse the vaccine doses, getting jabbed is not only a responsibility to one’s self, but will also protect family members, relatives, friends, colleagues and others. It is also an individual’s civic responsibility to society as a whole.

Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin has already announced that the government will make life difficult for those who refuse Covid-19 vaccinations including being compelled to undergo regular tests at their own expense. Concurrently, they will not be allowed to dine outdoors or enter shopping malls. This is  NOT discrimination against anti-vaxxers, but to protect them and individuals who have completed their doses. For public health and safety, the Health Ministry is merely exercising its responsibilities for the wellbeing of society.

Anti-vaxxers assume that they are discriminated against and treated unfairly and will defend their right not to vaccinate. However, the government also has a duty to look after the health and safety of fully vaccinated individuals besides reducing the risk of more people contracting this infectious disease as there are still many young children who cannot go for the shot.

The government has always leveraged on publicity to encourage more and more people to get immunised. Everyone is responsible to get the shot now. Extraordinary times require extraordinary measures. Be it publicity, education or tough measures, all are geared towards ensuring public health and wellbeing.

Wong Siew Mun
MCA Spokesperson

-MCA Online-