Penang State Executive Councillor for Tourism and Creative Economy, Yeoh Soon Hin reiterated the call for media practitioners to be vaccinated.

“The vaccination must be implemented promptly with clear instructions and a proper mechanism.

“The Coordinating Minister of the National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme, Khairy Jamaluddin was briefed in a virtual briefing held in late May and had promised that media practitioners will receive their vaccination appointments effective from the first week of June. 

“However, many media practitioners are still playing the waiting game except for a few lucky ones who managed to secure an appointment in the AstraZeneca opt-in programme registration,” said Yeoh in a press statement.

He also added that with the increased number of Vaccine Administration Centres (PPV) throughout the nation and an expedited vaccination rate, there is no reason and room for the  delay in the vaccination drive for media practitioners.

“Our media practitioners are amongst the high-risk workers who have selflessly contributed throughout this pandemic. 

“Without these vaccines in place, the reporters face an increased infection risk, which also indirectly places their family members and colleagues in danger.

“We understand that the doses have been allocated for the media practitioners, but we need more than just announcements or plans. 

“What our media practitioners really need is a rapid rollout of the plan. Just walk the talk,” stressed Yeoh.