The Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) today denied allegations that the government had paid RM3 billion for the purchase of 10 million doses of the Covid-19 vaccine, which became contagious on social media.
According to the ministry, the government has allocated RM3 billion for the purchase of the Covid-19 vaccine for 70% of the country's population or 22.4 million individuals. Apart from that, Khairy Jamaluddin, has also answered and explained the matter several times in the last Dewan Rakyat sitting.
Based on a statement, MOSTI revealed that through all the negotiations and agreements that have been and will be signed so far, the government will spend $ 504.4 million dollars or around RM2.05 billion to buy the vaccine.
In addition, the state government is alleged to have signed an agreement with pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca to purchase 6.4 million more doses or 10% additional Covid-19 vaccine.
As such, Malaysia has acquired a 40% supply through agreements with COVAX, Pfizer and AstraZeneca facilities.
In addition, Malaysia is also in final negotiations with Sinovac, CanSino and Gamaleya to increase its vaccine supply to cover more than 80% of the country's population or 26.5 million individuals.
In fact, the number has exceeded the initial target, which is to vaccinate 70% of Malaysians.
Meanwhile, the ministry requested that the public not create or spread false information without referring to official statements issued by national leaders.
As such, MOSTI will not hesitate to take legal action against baseless or false statements that may cause confusion in the community.
