COVID-19 vaccine: Concerns of Muslim consumers will be addressed - MOSTI

KUALA LUMPUR: The government will pay attention to the issue raised by the Malaysian Muslim Consumers Association (MMCA) regarding their concerns on several security issues in the use of the COVID-19 vaccine to be procured by the government.

Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Ahmad Amzad Hashim said of course, the matter was discussed and given priority, especially involving Muslim consumers in this country.

According to him, the government was aware and understood the concerns that arise regarding the matter and it will be answered and explained as best as possible.

“I believe the Ministry of Health (MOH) will respond because the confidence among Muslim consumers is important.

"Of course this will be discussed in the Special Vaccine Access Assurance Committee (SVAAC) which needs to organise information and clarification on vaccine-related issues," he said when contacted by Astro AWANI.

Ahmad Amzad was commenting on the allegation that the letter sent by MMCA on the matter was set aside without attention.

He explained that the letter was addressed to the MOH with his ministry (MOSTI) only as a party that received a copy and references.

However, he said, since MOSTI was also responsible for matters involving vaccines, he gave assurance and was confident that the letter would be replied.

"SVAAC is chaired by the Minister of MOSTI and comprised of MOH, apart from the Ministry of Communications and Multimedia Malaysia (MCMM)," he said.

In fact, to refine matters from a religious point, Ahmad Amzad said the matter was always on the radar of the relevant parties.

"Yesterday, I chaired the COVID-19 Vaccine Special Information Committee for issues related to Muslims, which was also attended by the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (JAKIM)," he said.