Kuala Lumpur, 19 May — Science, Technology, and Innovation Minister Khairy Jamaluddin clarified today that the purported offer of two million free doses of Sinovac Covid-19 vaccine for Penang was a scam, adding that investigations showed the company responsible for the offer did not exist.
Khairy, who is the minister in charge of the national immunization program, said he decided to investigate the offer as he wanted to help Penang get the free vaccines.
According to Khairy, an investigation with Sinovac China revealed no proof or documents received by the company, Xintai Development.
“We also found that the private company which offered the free jabs doesn’t exist in the first place.”
“I will categorically say again today. This donation or offer is bogus. Look at the offer, there’s not even a letterhead,” he said at an online press conference.
“I am responsible for vaccine procurement in Malaysia, so I know where the supplies come from.”
On a related matter, Khairy said there was also no record of any purchase by the Sekhar Foundation, an organization linked to businessman Vinod Sekhar which had accused the Malaysian government of snubbing its offer to bring in 200,000 doses of vaccine, to be made free.
“Originally, we only had 20,000 vaccines, but we have managed to source another 180,000 vaccines and we want to give (all) 200,000 vials as part of our national service,” Petra Group spokesman William Stevenson was quoted in a report criticizing the authorities for “snubbing” the offer.
Khairy said Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow had made an irresponsible accusation against him based on an offer that turned out to be a scam.
Former chief minister Lim Guan Eng had urged Chow to accept the offer, and blasted the government for blocking the donation.
Khairy meanwhile said Selangor Menteri Besar Amirudin Shari should not confuse the public over the rate of vaccination in the state.
“I don’t want to be seen as blocking Selangor’s efforts. But I have to be upfront and say that as far as supplies are concerned, the federal government’s supplies will be prioritized.”
Khairy also said the vaccination drive should not be politicised.
“Had it been something that was genuine, I would be the first to apologize,” he said, referring to Lim’s accusations that the government was blocking free vaccine offers from the private sector.
“But when it’s proven this is bogus and a scam, we were bashed 24 hours over this fraudulent claim, I feel extremely disappointed,” he said.
More Stories
HAZEE: THREE AREAS IN JOHOR RECORD UNHEALTHY API AS AT 9 AM
KING PRESENTS INSTRUMENTS OF APPOINTMENT TO 15 ENVOYS
LIVELY MAULIDUR RASUL CELEBRATION NATIONWIDE WITH PARADES, SELAWAT