Press Statement Regarding the COVID-19 Vaccination Programme

We welcome the decision by the Malaysian government to ensure COVID-19 vaccines are free and accessible to everyone, including undocumented foreigners and refugees.

Extending the programme beyond Malaysians is crucial to achieving herd immunity as part of our country's exit strategy. Many migrant workers and refugees were part of the third wave, driving major industries that were badly affected. For Malaysia to recover in health and economy, all sectors must be immunised.

Through IMARET, our chapter focusing on health relief, we have always advocated 'Health for ALL', ensuring no one is left behind — especially marginalised communities. Since our inception in 2014 we have provided mobile health services to refugees, displaced communities and the Orang Asli.

We have run mobile clinics for refugees across the country since 2015, in collaboration with UNHCR, IOM and other NGOs, implementing mobile vaccination catch-up clinics (MMR and Hepatitis B). Our Mobile Medical Units reach remote Orang Asli settlements deep in the jungle.

Under the QFFD Health Programme coordinated by Yayasan Kebajikan Negara and funded by Qatar Charity, IMARET — with MERCY Malaysia and the Malaysian Relief Agency (MRA) — set up five primary health and mobile clinics in Johor, Kedah and the Klang Valley.

We look forward to collaborating with the authorities and fellow NGOs to plan and execute vaccination programmes, particularly for marginalised communities. Only through collective planning, collaboration and inclusivity can a successful mass vaccination programme bring the pandemic to an end.