KOTA KINABALU: Even in the state capital of Sabah, the Covid-19 vaccination registration is still low.

Quoting data by Sabah National Security Council, Api-Api Community Development leader Oliver Majaham said there were only 21.6 per cent of eligible recipients in the city opted for the inoculation programmes.

“There are 421,600 people (over 18 years of age) that eligible for registration as recipient of the vaccine in Kota Kinabalu.

“However as of April 9, only 89,695 (or 21.3%) people have registered,” he said this during an interview yesterday at a Covid-19 Vaccine Awareness campaign.

The programme was jointly organized by Pejabat Penerangan Kota Kinabalu, Pejabat Kesihatan Kota Kinabalu and Unit Pemimpin Pembangunan Masyarakat N.20 Api-Api at the Sabah Association of Senior Citizens clubhouse.

Oliver added that the figure was far from the government’s target of vaccinating 70 per cent of the population to ensure that herd immunity can be achieved.

“We hope the public who are here to listen and learn more about the vaccination program, can share with their families and friends, especially those who has yet to register and encourage them to register for vaccination.”

“Although the current emphasis is focused on creating awareness on the covid vaccine and registration campaign in the outskirts and villages , continuous awareness program and registration drive in urban area are being planned to ensure the government target of vaccinating 70% of the populationis is achieved, “ he added.

Hence, in order to ensure that herd immunity is achieved within the planned timeline, Unit Pemimpin Pembangunan Masyarakat Negeri Sabah is collaborating with the Sabah Health Department and the Sabah Information Department in organizing vaccination registration drive and awareness programs

The Covid-19 Vaccination talk for members of Sabah Assocation of Senior Citizens were conducted by Kota Kinabalu Medical Officer Dr Tee Wen Li, from the Pejabat Kesihatan Kota Kinabalu, covering a wide range of topic from the danger of covid-19 pandemic, the types of vaccine available, and also explaining the concept of herd immunity and its importance.

Also present during the program were Sabah Assocation of Senior Citizens Deputy President Robert Chang, Chinese Community Leader Kapitan Chee Siaw Siaw, Kota Kinabalu Information Department Officer Puan Hasmawati Karodda and Pemaju Mukim Ng Pit Yun.