KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia will take a wait-and-see approach to Sputnik V, touted by Russia as the world's first registered Covid-19 vaccine, said Deputy Health Minister II Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang (GPS-Kanowit) at the Dewan Rakyat, today.
"There is no published scientific proof to show that it can be used (against Covid-19). Now, we will wait and monitor the developments on this vaccine.
"On when we can have our very own vaccine, the Health Ministry has conducted tests with the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry and we are working to find a vaccine. We are also cooperating with other countries on this," said Aaron.
Aaron was responding to a supplementary question from Fahmi Fadzil (PH-Lembah Pantai) on when Malaysia will be ready to carry out vaccine trial tests, and how soon the people would be able to obtain the vaccine.
On a separate matter, Datuk Seri Abdul Azeez Rahim (BN-Baling) said there is a need for the Health Ministry to set stricter Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for crowds at Parliament, following a large gathering at the Dewan Rakyat, yesterday.
"Yesterday, the Parliament building was crowded with government officers and politicians. We do not want to blame them for coming (here), but I feel the SOPs and the protocols at the entrance to the Dewan Rakyat are still not stringent.
"I hope the ministry will take note of this," said Abdul Azeez.
He also echoed the call by Datuk Seri Dr Shahidan Kassim (BN-Arau) who had asked for second Covid-19 tests to be conducted on Members of Parliament in an effort to break the Covid-19 chain.
Abdul Azeez added that he has been informed by his health officer that there are 10 more Covid-19 positive cases in his constituency, which have yet to be officially reported by the ministry.
In view of this, Abdul Azeez called on the ministry to recommend to the police that roadblocks be mounted in Baling due to its proximity to the Thai border and that rat trails be closed and monitored.