Datuk Dr Ramlan Aziz received his Covid-19 vaccine jab today and urged the people to sign up for it.
The former director-general of the National Sports Council (NSC) and chief executive officer of the National Sports Institute (NSI) said it was “painless” and he “did not suffer any side effects” despite fasting.
“The whole process went smoothly. I was impressed by how professional and easy it was,” said Dr Ramlan, a doctor by qualification.
“I did not feel a thing. It was over before I knew it. I do not think I warmed up the seat!
“I wish more people will get vaccinated. It is safe and there is nothing to worry about.”
The government has expressed concern over the low sign-up for the vaccination programme. Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba said today only 8.6 million of the 26.7 million targeted vaccine recipients have registered for the shots.
“It is safe, do not hesitate. Sign up for the vaccine,” urged Dr Ramlan.
Separately, Dr Ramlan said before receiving his jab, he had to go through five counters to verify personal details, medical history, allergies and to update the MySejahtera application.
“After the jab, I had to sit in an observation room for 30 minutes. There was one person who felt lightheaded and another who vomited but it could be because they were fasting,” said Dr Ramlan.
“But do not be alarmed if that happens to you. Our body reacts differently. The whole time I was there, those were the only two people who had mild side effects.”
He added the final counter at the vaccination centre deals with details and documents you have to bring for the second dose, which is one’s appointment card and signed consent form.
“Make sure you do not misplace those documents.”
He was among 264 people to get their shots at the Desa Tasik Sports Complex vaccination centre in Cheras.
Others included national athletes and officials who are headed to the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and Paralympics later this year.
Track cyclist Muhammad Fadhil Mohd Zonis, female cyclist Anis Amira Rosidi and para archer S. Suresh were the first national athletes to get the vaccine.
Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Seri Reezal Merican Naina Merican, Olympic Council of Malaysia president Tan Sri Norza Zakaria and Paralympic Council of Malaysia president Datuk Seri Megat D. Shahriman Zaharudin also received their jabs today.
Here’s the news round-up of The News Normal today.
HEALTH MINISTRY PROMISES 500 PERSONNEL TO HELP FIGHT COVID-19 SPIKE IN SARAWAK
The Health Ministry will mobilise 500 personnel – doctors, nurses, medical assistants, laboratory officers and radiologists – to Sarawak following a spike in cases.
Minister Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba said the infectivity rate (Rt) in Sarawak increased to 1.1 today, from 1.08 yesterday.
Dr Adham, who visited the vaccination centre at Stadium Perpaduan in Kuching, said the centre can handle vaccinations for up to 40,000 people a day.
OVER 400,000 PEOPLE HAVE RECEIVED BOTH DOSES OF VACCINE
Dr Adham said 409,784 people have received both doses of their vaccine shots under the first phase of the National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme.
As of yesterday, 609,153 have received the first dose of the vaccine.
TERRORISM THREATS DOWN DUE TO COVID-19, SAYS BUKIT AMAN’S COUNTER-TERRORISM DIVISION
Bukit Aman Special Branch Counter-Terrorism Division (E8) principal assistant director DCP Normah Ishak has revealed Covid-19 has contributed to a drop in terrorism threats in the country.
Normah, however, warned the public to remain vigilant as the threat could change according to the situation.
SIGN UP AS FIREFLY CITIZEN SCIENTIST
Friends of Bukit Kiara (FoBK) is looking for nature lovers to sign up as Citizen Scientists with the discovery of possibly the world’s largest female firefly – Lamprigera Sp. – at Bukit Kiara.
This project will take approximately one year starting this month. Data collection training will be provided. Participants must be 18 and above.
For more information, visit fobk.org or sign-up at
SERVING THE PEOPLE – DUBIOUS MANTRA OF POLITICIANS AND POLITICAL PARTIES
Malaysia needs a mature electorate that will give its mandate to truly honest and ethical representatives who value the opportunity to serve the people and country and not the other way around.
Unfortunately, the majority of the people – especially the rural populace who are most trusting and often gullible – believe these politicians who convince them of their altruistic intention, thus the need to be grateful, said Professor Emeritus Datuk Dr Mohamed Ghouse Nasuruddin.
Communications and Multimedia Minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah agreed with the need for a mature electorate, adding “we need more of this discourse.”
Agree with most of d article, esp on d need for a mature electorate. Hv written on something to d effect. But implementing it is tough. One can be lonely. We need more of this discourse. https://t.co/uU5GzhTDyF
— Saifuddin Abdullah 🇲🇾 (@saifuddinabd) April 13, 2021
