THE Covid-19 Immunisation Task Force (CITF) will be inspecting the facilities at Intel Technology Sdn Bhd, Jabil Circuit, and Plexus Manufacturing Sdn Bhd to evaluate their suitability as on-site Covid-19 vaccination centres (PPVs).
International Trade and Industry (Miti) Minister Datuk Seri Azmin Ali said he had received an official letter (application) from the Penang government to speed up the existing vaccination capacity for economic frontliners.
The application was sent under the Public-Private Partnership Covid-19 Industry Immunisation Programme (Pikas).
“The CITF team will be inspecting the facilities to ensure that they comply with Health Ministry’s requirements.
“We hope the proposed on-site PPVs can begin to operate by the end of this month.
“I am so impressed with the facilities here,” he told reporters after visiting Jabil Circuit, in Bayan Lepas today.
It is learnt that the proposed PPV area in Jabil Circuit, has a built-up area of 15,000 sq ft. And it has the capacity to administer between 1,200 and 1,500 doses per day once it starts operation.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who visited the premises with Azmin, told the media that the Jabil Circuit PPV would be open to the industry and the community after approval by the authorities is granted.
He was also impressed with the facilities at Jabil Circuit.
Also present were state Secretary Datuk Abdul Razak Jaafar, Jabil Circuit managing director Tan Siew Jin and several industry players.
Earlier, both Chow and Azmin visited Intel Technology Sdn Bhd, Bayan Lepas.
They were briefed by Intel’s managing director Robin Martin.
It is understood that the designated space for a PPV in Intel has a built-up area of 24,220 sq ft.
Martin said the proposed on-site PPV would have an estimated seating capacity of 300 people.
“Our target is to vaccinate 1,000 people per day.
“We are happy to offer our space and PPV to other companies in the vicinity that wish to vaccinate their workers.
“We are delighted to contribute and do our bid to help the industry and the nation.
“We hope that we can start vaccinating our (Intel Malaysia and companies) staff as soon as possible.
“And with the increased supply, we would like to vaccinate the employees’ dependents as well,” he added.
Story by Edmund Lee and Kevin Vimal
Pix by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi and Alissala Thian
Video by Law Suun Ting and Chan Kok Kuan