JOHOR BARU: Tunku Mahkota Johor Tunku Ismail Ibni Sultan Ibrahim has met with some 799 teachers who had declined to take the Covid-19 vaccine.

The Johor Crown Prince said that the virtual meeting was held at Bangunan Sultan Ibrahim in Bukit Timbalan here on Friday (Aug 27).

Also present were state secretary Datuk Azmi Rohani, his deputy (management) Datuk Mohd Noh Ibrahim, state Health director Datuk Dr Aman Rabu, Johor Mufti Datuk Yahya Ahmad and his deputy Datuk Ahmad Faisal Mohamed.

"I have heard the teachers' explanation on the issues they faced. Of the 799 teachers who initially rejected the vaccine, only 396 rejected it due to doubts about the vaccine.

"The rest decided to postpone it for now due to allergies, pregnancy or health conditions. There are some teachers who have also agreed to register to take the vaccine," he said in a statement posted on his Facebook page.

Tunku Ismail said he had also shared with the teachers some information about the vaccination programme in Johor, as well as the latest development of the Covid-19 situation in the state.

"I hope the teachers realise their responsibilities in prioritising human capital development by setting good examples.

"I hope that they will take the vaccine before school reopens to ensure the rakyat's health and well-being," he said.

On Sunday (Aug 22), Tunku Ismail said in a tweet that he will be calling the state Education Department director for a meeting after more than 700 teachers rejected the Covid-19 vaccine.

Tunku Ismail also said he would be meeting with the group of teachers soon.

“Our priority right now is to overcome this pandemic as soon as possible so that the rakyat and state can go back to what it was and continue their lives like normal,” he said.

State education, information, heritage and culture committee chairman Mazlan Bujang also said that the state Education Department would reach out to this group and help change their views to accept the vaccines soon.

“The state government will call these 779 teachers who rejected the vaccines individually and give them information and counselling so that they would gradually understand how important it is, as schools would be reopened in phases in October,” he said during the state assembly meeting on Sunday (Aug 22).

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2021/08/27/covid-19-tmj-holds-virtual-meeting-with-teachers-who-declined-to-be-vaccinated