PETALING JAYA，Nov 30: Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Khairy Jamaluddin has confirmed that the Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine, set to be delivered in stages next year, will be priced at less than RM100 per dose.
The Rembau MP was responding to DAP leader and Sungai Pelek assemblyman Ronnie Liu requesting for Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin to clarify the financial details for the vaccines.
Khairy said the pricing was covered by a non-disclosure agreement through direct negotiations with the pharmaceutical company.
“Suffice to say we are satisfied with the terms and pricing that we have agreed upon. The terms we have reached protect Malaysia’s interests both financially and with regard to the safety of the vaccine,” he said in a statement.
He added that the government had set aside some RM3 billion to fund the public Covid-19 vaccination programme for Malaysians.
According to Khairy, Pfizer will be responsible for transporting the vaccines, while ultra-low temperature freezers in universities and research institutions will be redeployed as and when necessary.
He was responding to concerns addressed by some quarters over the logistical and storage preparedness in the country as the Covid-19 vaccines require ultracold storage of -70°C.
Khairy also clarified that the vaccine would not alter one’s DNA, contrary to Liu’s claims that doctors in the West have rejected the vaccine due to its impacts on the DNA.
“The government is also working on procuring a portfolio of vaccines in order to obtain enough doses for 70% of the Malaysian population.
“Negotiations are ongoing including with vaccine manufacturers from China. I would like to emphasise that the vaccines must be deemed safe and efficacious by the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency under the health ministry before we execute the agreements and begin the vaccination process,” he said.
Last week, Muhyiddin announced that the government had signed an agreement with Pfizer on Nov 24 to procure 12.8 million doses of the vaccine, which will immunise 6.4 million Malaysians.
He had said one million doses would be delivered in the first quarter of next year, followed by 1.7 million, 5.8 million and 4.3 million doses in the second, third and fourth quarters of 2021 respectively.
