THE Community Vaccine Mobilisation (Movak) programme, which has begun today in all the five districts in the state, received an overwhelming response from public hawkers and traders.
State Local Government, Housing, Town and Country Planning Committee chairman Jagdeep Singh Deo said the programme that is overseen by the local government unit, would last until Sept 2.
He said that this free vaccination programme would provide a chance for the registered hawkers and traders to receive their jabs.
“We are confident that the expected 12,000 people would be vaccinated in these four days.
“We hope that all the hawkers and traders will be protected after being inoculated as they are all exposed to the risk of being infected with the Covid-19 virus.
“As of now (12pm), a total of 600 people have registered themselves here, while more than 200 have been inoculated,” he said after inspecting the Movak programme at City Stadium today.
It was learnt that the programme is also set up at Dewan Dato Haji Ahmad Badawi in north Seberang Perai, Jalan Betik Sports Complex in central Seberang Perai, Batu Kawan Stadium in south Seberang Perai and Dewan Perda in southwest district on the island.
Jagdeep urged those who are interested in the programme to visit the local councils’ websites for further information.
In another development, Jagdeep lauded the success of the Penang Covid-19 mass screening (PSC-19) programme.
“We are happy that the programme was materialised,” he said.
Jagdeep also hoped that the Federal Government can speed up the vaccination effort.
Also present were Penang Island City Council (MBPP) mayor Datuk Yew Tung Seang and Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) mayor Datuk Rozali Mohamud.
Meanwhile, the majority of the hawkers and petty traders who received their vaccine shots today, expressed their gratitude and appreciation to the Penang government for initiating such a programme.
According to Zunnur Mohd Anor, 22, the Movak initiative will help boost customers’ confidence when they visit public spaces such as night markets.
“When the customer knows that all hawkers and petty traders at the market are vaccinated, they don’t have to worry when buying their grocery items.
“Thus, this will create a safe environment for both the operators and customers by preventing the spread of the virus.
“So, thumbs up to the state government for organising such a programme to ensure all hawkers and petty traders in the state are protected from the virus,” said Zunnur, who works at a char koay teow stall in Machang Bubuk night market.
As for Wong Shu Hui, 35, she is grateful for finally being vaccinated.
“I had registered through the MySejahtera application since June but never got the vaccination appointment.
“So, I started to worry especially when the local council announced that only hawkers and petty traders who have at least received their first dose of the vaccine, are allowed to operate their businesses at night markets from Sept 15 onwards.
“Luckily through Movak, I got my vaccination appointment today and I am so happy.
“Now, I feel protected and can run my business as usual at the night market,” said Wong, who has been selling vegetables at the Bukit Mertajam night market for seven years.
Story By Edmund Lee and Riadz Akmal
Pix courtesy of YB Jagdeep’s office and Riadz Akmal