KUALA LUMPUR (May 23): Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin today said the government has no objection if certain quarters want to purchase their own Covid-19 vaccines, but they must first obtain approval from the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA). "If, for instance, agencies such as Petronas (Petroliam Nasional Bhd) or others (want to purchase the vaccines), we cannot stop that. Muhyiddin said the government is working hard towards allowing the private sector including hospitals to administer vaccines to expedite the vaccination process to the masses. Meanwhile, the prime minister expressed confidence that Malaysia's herd immunity target will be achieved by the end of the year, following schedule guarantees given for the arrival of booked vaccines. Singapore was reported to have extended its vaccine dose interval, effective May 19, from three to four weeks, to six to eight weeks.

Source: The Edge Markets May 23, 2021 15:03 UTC