THE Penang government is confident that the list of more than 200,000 senior citizens under the state’s i-Sejahtera can be used for the registration of Covid-19 vaccination.
State Environment and Welfare Committee chairman Phee Boon Poh said Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow had informed Putrajaya on the state’s offer to access the database of the senior citizens.
“We are prepared to use all our resources, including the Village Community Management Councils (MPKK), to ensure the registration process proceeds smoothly.
“We are upbeat that the senior citizens can be vaccinated immediately,” he said in an online press conference after participating in the ‘Jom Sembang-Ageing Well During the Pandemic’ virtual event yesterday.
The vaccination process is now underway with some 500,000 nationwide frontliners being the first batch of recipients to be vaccinated from February to April.
The second phase batch, from April to August, would go to the high-risk groups or senior citizens while the third phase would be for those aged 18 and above from May to February next year.
Phee emphasised that senior citizen groups need to be prioritised in the battle against the raging pandemic.
“They are a vulnerable group and they must receive the vaccines soon,” he said.
Earlier, during the virtual event organised by JOYCLUB (Seniors Group of Bagan Specialist Centre), those participating in the event exchanged their views on the resilience of senior citizens to cope with the challenging period.
Phee, who officiated the event as the guest of honour, said the state has always strived to empower the seniors to stay healthy and active.
“We always recognise that seniors are invaluable assets to the community, and we want to empower them to contribute their knowledge and wisdom to society.
“It’s a great pleasure for me to be here virtually to officiate this event,” he said in his fruitful sharing address.
Bagan Specialist Centre chief executive officer Cheow Jen Hurn thanked the state for their interest and support rendered to senior citizens.
“Thanks YB Phee for your dedication and commitment to the elderly,” he said.
Cheow pointed out that the JOYCLUB’s membership has grown from 200 people to 3,700 from 2019 till now, adding that it was a testimonial and endorsement to the senior citizens.
Those who joined the event involved various agencies and senior citizen groups throughout the country.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix courtesy of Bagan Specialist Centre