SEREMBAN: The government will make advance bookings for Covid-19 vaccines through the RM3 billion allocation announced in the 2021 Budget yesterday.
Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said the ministry expects the vaccine, currently being developed overseas, to be procured within the first three months of next year.
He said the vaccine would first need to be approved by the Health Ministry before any orders were made.
"I am the Covid-19 Vaccine Access Guarantee committee co-chair, and we will make advance bookings for vaccines currently being developed internationally.
"It is estimated that we will receive more information on its efficacy within one or two months.
"Once the Health Ministry is satisfied with the data and information, then we can make our purchase."
He said this after visiting Kampung Kuala Sawah Rantau, here. The village was struck by flash floods following a three-hour downpour several days ago.
In tabling the 2021 Budget, Finance Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz said the government was committed to acquire Covid-19 vaccines through its participation in Covid-19 Vaccine Global Access (Covax), with an estimated cost of RM3 billion.
In another development, Khairy, who is also Rembau member of parliament, said the RM400 million allocated for research and development activities was important to commercialise locally-made products.
"We do not want to just rely on technologies from other countries which have a high cost.
"Therefore, we will focus this large sum allocated for research in local products and technologies," he added.
Meanwhile, Khairy, who is also Negri Sembilan Development Committee chairman said the federal government would conduct repair works on the riverbanks in Kampung Kuala Sawah, which collapsed following the flood on Tuesday.
He said the State Development Department, Public Works Department and the Department of Irrigation and Drainage t would hold a discussion on the matter soon.