OCTOGENARIAN Chin Fung Chee was energetic and happy to be the first to receive the Covid-19 vaccine at the Balik Pulau Sports Complex today.
“I came to the centre with my son at 8.10am and I was the first to receive the vaccine today.
“It was painless and there was nothing to be worried about.
“I do not feel that the Government would do anything that is harmful to the people,” Fung Chee, 82, said.
His son Chin Yin Loon, 50, said he had received his vaccine earlier because he is a frontliner.
“Most people are afraid to take the vaccine because of fake news.
“The people must learn how to distinguish between real and fake news,” he said.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow and Bayan Lepas assemblyman Azrul Mahathir Aziz visited the vaccination centre this morning to observe the vaccination process, and to show their support to the vaccine recipients.
Yin Loon said he was not surprised to see the chief minister at the centre as he knew that Chow was a very caring and supportive person.
“Honestly, I’m not surprised to see him today. The chief minister has been very supportive in many activities in Penang.
“So, it is not a surprise for me to see him here, showing his support to the people in the southwest district of Penang.
“It is important for the leaders to show their support to the public,” he said.
Latifah Abdullah, 82, was initially afraid to be vaccinated.
“At first, I was scared to receive the vaccine.
“The senior citizens are more prone to illnesses. So, I was afraid of the side effects of the vaccine.
“However after learning about the benefits of the vaccine and knowing that it could help to keep me and my family safe, I have decided to take the vaccine.
“I am feeling fine after taking the jab,” she said.
Meanwhile, Wong Pek Hoe, also 82, was delighted to be able to meet the chief minister at the vaccination centre.
“He is such a caring person. I am happy to be able meet and talk to him before I take the vaccine.
“I thank him for his concern for the people,” she said.
Wong said she was the first person in her family to be vaccinated.
“The process was very fast and there was no pain at all.
“There is nothing to be afraid of,” she added.
Southwest district health officer Dr Fazilah Mydin said 296 people in the southwest district were expected to receive their Covid-19 vaccine today.
“The oldest recipient is 94 years old while the youngest is 69.
“We have six vaccinators and 24 health officers on duty. Several officers from other agencies are also lending their help,” she said.
She also spoke about yesterday’s scenario – which was the first day of the second phase of the National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme.
Dr Fazilah added that 320 people were supposed to receive their jab yesterday (April 19), according to the appointment date given.
“However, only 216 agreed to accept the vaccine; and at the end of the day, 174 were successfully inoculated,” she said.
Also present was health officer Dr Farinniee Ahmad.
Chow urged the Penangites to register for the vaccine and monitor the appointment status.
“It is important that you confirm your attendance after the appointment date is given,” he said.
Chow said he was happy to note that the senior citizens understood the importance of being vaccinated.
“They knew it would be beneficial to themselves and the country,” he said.
Chow also lauded the medical frontliners at the vaccination centre.
“I can feel their excitement in wanting to help the rakyat. I hope that more people will be confident and take the Covid-19 vaccine,” he added.
Over at Dewan Serbaguna Jawi, 690 people were expected to receive their first jab today.
South Seberang Perai district officer Marlia Mohd Belia said 50 people had been inoculated as of 9.45am today.
“A total of 474 people received their vaccine yesterday (April 19),” she said.
Marlia said 25 Health Ministry personnel were on duty at the vaccination centre today.
Penang National Security Council (NSC) director Nazrul Fazami Mohamad said as of April 19, a total of 64,350 people in south Seberang Perai had registered for the vaccine through MySejahtera app.
“The number is still considered as relatively low, as the total population in south Seberang Perai is about 194,000.
“A total of 17,165 people is eligible for the second phase of the National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme,” he said.
He hoped that more people in the district would register for the vaccine.
Chow was welcomed by Marlia when he arrived at the centre at 10am.
Also present were Batu Kawan MP Kasthuriraani Patto, Jawi assemblyman Jason H’ng Mooi Lye, Bukit Tambun assemblyman Goh Choon Aik and Sungai Bakap assemblyman Dr Amar Pritpal Abdullah.
Story by Christopher Tan and Riadz Akmal
Pix by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi and Muhamad Amir Irsyad Omar
Video by Chan Kok Kuan and Ahmad Adil Muhamad