JOHOR BAHRU: Desaru Coast Conference Centre in Kota Tinggi has been turned into a COVID-19 vaccination centre for phase one of the National COVID-19 Immunisation Programme (NIP).

The 26,000 square foot conference centre, managed by The Westin Desaru Coast Resort, will serve as the only vaccination centre for frontliners in Kota Tinggi district.

Vaccination at the centre by the Ministry of Health began on March 1 and will continue until March 11 to include about 2,000 frontliners comprising health personnel, members of the Armed Forces, police and firefighters.

The vaccinations process will also follow the schedule of the NIP, which will see the inoculation of frontliners from February to April 2021, followed by senior citizens and those in high-risk groups from April to August 2021.

Desaru Development Holdings One Sdn Bhd managing director cum chief executive officer Roslina Arbak in a statement, here, said this was part of the company's support to curb the COVID-19 pandemic.

Meanwhile, Kota Tinggi district officer Hazlina Jalil expressed her gratitude to Desaru Coast for its contribution towards the vaccination programme which reflects the excellent collaboration between the private and public sectors to ensure a successful national vaccination exercise.

"Desaru Coast was chosen as the venue because of its easy access for frontliners and residents. In addition the Desaru Coast Conference Centre is large and comfortable for those receiving their vaccinations, especially for Phase 2 which involves senior citizens and the disabled. I sincerely hope that residents of Kota Tinggi will take part in this vaccination exercise so that the Kota Tinggi district will eventually become a green zone," she added.

-- BERNAMA