IPOH, Aug 22 — A number of restaurant operators and workers in Perak have chosen to wait for their turn to get their vaccination for free via the National COVID-19 Immunisation Programme (PICK) as they cannot afford to pay for the vaccine through the Perak vaccination porgramme, SilverVax.
Association of Perak Malay Hawkers and Petty Traders (PPKMP) president Derais Suhaimi said as several business operators and shop owners had not been operating for months, there were no sales and they have no money to pay through SilverVax.
“Many have yet to be vaccinated but they are reluctant to pay RM380 for themselves, what more for their workers.
“As such they are more willing to wait for their appointment under MySejahtera as the vaccine is provided free through PICK,” he said when contacted by Bernama today.
Suhaimi also urged that vaccination priority be given to those in the food sector as they must be protected to reduce and curb transmission risk of COVID-19.
Meanwhile, restaurant owner and manager, Mohd Khirul Adnan Hamid, 33, said he could not afford to pay for the vaccine through the SilverVax as the restaurant was closed for four months.
“Customers are also afraid to come out or spend time eating out like before, and with the surge in cases, there are no sales, so it is not worth paying for the vaccine.
“If other operators are willing to fork out the money it is up to them. I will just wait to be called via MySejahtera,” he added.
Menteri Besar Datuk Saarani Mohamad had last Thursday called on restaurant operators and workers in the state to participate in the Perak Vaccination or SilverVax programme so that they could operate their business as usual while curbing the spread of Covid-19.
SilverVax was launched on Aug 2 and the Perak State Development Corporation (PKNPk), through its subsidiary company Majuperak Holding Berhad or MHB was appointed to purchase the vaccines so as to speed up the vaccination process, especially for the private industry players.
