Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine supply issues does not affect supply for Malaysia — Khairy
KUALA LUMPUR (Dec 7): Issues over supply of Covid-19 vaccine supply faced by pharmaceutical company Pfizer as claimed by an international media will not affect its supply for Malaysia, which is expected to be made during the first quarter of next year.
Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Khairy Jamaluddin Abu Bakar said according to the media report, this problem would only affect this year’s production.
I am aware of the supply issues, but the same media report also stated that the problem would only affect the 2020 supply. As far as I know, it does not affect the supply for the Malaysian government next year,” he said at a question and answer session at the Dewan Rakyat sitting here today.
He was responding to a supplementary question from Ahmad Fahmi Mohamed Fadzil (PH-Lembah Pantai) on whether the vaccine supply chain issues as reported by Reuters would affect the supply of Covid-19 vaccines to Malaysia.
Khairy, however, said if there are disruptions in the supply chain, the government will identify other vaccine portfolios from various companies as relying on one company could open to risks of not getting sufficient vaccine supply for Malaysians.
Commenting on the additional costs that may be incurred in addition to the RM3 billion allocation, Khairy said each agreement with vaccine manufacturers would take into account costs such as transportation and storage.
Our agreement with Pfizer for example, the costs we have paid for each dose also cover transportation that will be borne by the company,” he said.
Responding to the original question, Khairy said has so far signed two agreements to secure enough supply of Covid-19 vaccine for 30% of the population.
The first agreement was with the global COVAX Facility through the Optional Purchase agreement, signed on Nov 23 which guarantees a vaccine supply for 10% of the population, while the second deal was an initial purchase agreement with Pfizer, inked on Nov 24 to provide the vaccine supply for 20% of the population (12.8 million doses),” he said.
He said the government will not compromise the safety and efficacy of the vaccines procured and the final decision on the usage of a vaccine will only be done after it is registered and approved by the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA) under the Ministry of Health.
The 70% target of Malaysian population to get the Covid-19 vaccine in the first quarter of 2021, will focus on adults to enable the country to reach the herd immunity threshold under the National Immunisation Plan.
To achieve the remaining target, Khairy said the government are in talks with other Covid-19 vaccine manufacturing companies.

Asian foreign exchange, stocks get vaccine boost as rebound hopes bloom
BENGALURU (Dec 3): Emerging Asian currencies and stocks broadly firmed on Thursday, as news that Britain would start vaccinating citizens against the coronavirus next week fanned hopes of a swift global economic rebound next year as the pandemic subsides.
Signs of progress in U.S. stimulus talks overnight also supported risk appetite and investors shunned the U.S. dollar in favour of currencies with higher yields and other emerging market assets.
Britain on Wednesday became the first western country to approve Pfizer Inc's COVID-19 vaccine, with its chief executive confident that vaccine supply would outpace demand by the end of 2021.
"Vaccines have provided a shot in the arm for sentiment thanks to the improving likelihood of a faster and more robust growth recovery," Societe Generale analysts said in a report.
Malaysian stocks jumped 0.9% to lead gains in Southeast Asia, while shares in South Korea and Singapore also rose.
Indonesian stocks hit a more than nine-month high, but later gave up gains to trade lower after the country's president said he hoped the central bank would take on "a more significant role" in upcoming reforms.
Proposals made in recent months to expand Bank Indonesia's mandate have irked investors and analysts and raised doubts about the central bank's independence.
Most regional currencies traded higher as the dollar continued to plumb a near two-and-a-half year low.
The greenback has been sold-off since last month as market participants pile into riskier holdings amid positive vaccine news and hopes of further stimulus support, and analysts at Goldman Sachs contend this trend may continue.
"An integral part of our negative dollar outlook for 2021 is that vaccine development and distribution will lead to coordinated global growth, helping to catalyze portfolio outflows from the U.S. into other markets," they said.
"Portfolio flows to more pro-growth sectors, particularly in China and other emerging markets, are likely a key factor behind the dollar's recent depreciation, and we expect that to continue."
Philippine stocks added 0.6% after data showed the country's unemployment rate eased in October as coronavirus curbs were gradually lifted, while Thai shares <.SETI > bounced 0.4%.
Thai officials on Wednesday announced plans for 43.5 billion baht ($1.44 billion) of additional stimulus to try to boost domestic consumption and revive the tourism-reliant economy, even as global infections continue to rise.
Thailand also faces risk from continued political uncertainty and anti-government protests, which have been raging for months.
"The protests do not bode well for an already-contracting economy. We see political tensions mounting and lasting into 2021, with no clear solution in sight at this juncture," said Tim Leelahaphan, an economist at Standard Chartered.

Asian foreign exchange, stocks get vaccine boost as rebound hopes bloom
BENGALURU (Dec 3): Emerging Asian currencies and stocks broadly firmed on Thursday, as news that Britain would start vaccinating citizens against the coronavirus next week fanned hopes of a swift global economic rebound next year as the pandemic subsides.
Signs of progress in U.S. stimulus talks overnight also supported risk appetite and investors shunned the U.S. dollar in favour of currencies with higher yields and other emerging market assets.
Britain on Wednesday became the first western country to approve Pfizer Inc's COVID-19 vaccine, with its chief executive confident that vaccine supply would outpace demand by the end of 2021.
"Vaccines have provided a shot in the arm for sentiment thanks to the improving likelihood of a faster and more robust growth recovery," Societe Generale analysts said in a report.
Malaysian stocks jumped 0.9% to lead gains in Southeast Asia, while shares in South Korea and Singapore also rose.
Indonesian stocks hit a more than nine-month high, but later gave up gains to trade lower after the country's president said he hoped the central bank would take on "a more significant role" in upcoming reforms.
Proposals made in recent months to expand Bank Indonesia's mandate have irked investors and analysts and raised doubts about the central bank's independence.
Most regional currencies traded higher as the dollar continued to plumb a near two-and-a-half year low.
The greenback has been sold-off since last month as market participants pile into riskier holdings amid positive vaccine news and hopes of further stimulus support, and analysts at Goldman Sachs contend this trend may continue.
"An integral part of our negative dollar outlook for 2021 is that vaccine development and distribution will lead to coordinated global growth, helping to catalyze portfolio outflows from the U.S. into other markets," they said.
"Portfolio flows to more pro-growth sectors, particularly in China and other emerging markets, are likely a key factor behind the dollar's recent depreciation, and we expect that to continue."
Philippine stocks added 0.6% after data showed the country's unemployment rate eased in October as coronavirus curbs were gradually lifted, while Thai shares <.SETI > bounced 0.4%.
Thai officials on Wednesday announced plans for 43.5 billion baht ($1.44 billion) of additional stimulus to try to boost domestic consumption and revive the tourism-reliant economy, even as global infections continue to rise.
Thailand also faces risk from continued political uncertainty and anti-government protests, which have been raging for months.
"The protests do not bode well for an already-contracting economy. We see political tensions mounting and lasting into 2021, with no clear solution in sight at this juncture," said Tim Leelahaphan, an economist at Standard Chartered.

Asian foreign exchange, stocks get vaccine boost as rebound hopes bloom
BENGALURU (Dec 3): Emerging Asian currencies and stocks broadly firmed on Thursday, as news that Britain would start vaccinating citizens against the coronavirus next week fanned hopes of a swift global economic rebound next year as the pandemic subsides.
Signs of progress in U.S. stimulus talks overnight also supported risk appetite and investors shunned the U.S. dollar in favour of currencies with higher yields and other emerging market assets.
Britain on Wednesday became the first western country to approve Pfizer Inc's COVID-19 vaccine, with its chief executive confident that vaccine supply would outpace demand by the end of 2021.
"Vaccines have provided a shot in the arm for sentiment thanks to the improving likelihood of a faster and more robust growth recovery," Societe Generale analysts said in a report.
Malaysian stocks jumped 0.9% to lead gains in Southeast Asia, while shares in South Korea and Singapore also rose.
Indonesian stocks hit a more than nine-month high, but later gave up gains to trade lower after the country's president said he hoped the central bank would take on "a more significant role" in upcoming reforms.
Proposals made in recent months to expand Bank Indonesia's mandate have irked investors and analysts and raised doubts about the central bank's independence.
Most regional currencies traded higher as the dollar continued to plumb a near two-and-a-half year low.
The greenback has been sold-off since last month as market participants pile into riskier holdings amid positive vaccine news and hopes of further stimulus support, and analysts at Goldman Sachs contend this trend may continue.
"An integral part of our negative dollar outlook for 2021 is that vaccine development and distribution will lead to coordinated global growth, helping to catalyze portfolio outflows from the U.S. into other markets," they said.
"Portfolio flows to more pro-growth sectors, particularly in China and other emerging markets, are likely a key factor behind the dollar's recent depreciation, and we expect that to continue."
Philippine stocks added 0.6% after data showed the country's unemployment rate eased in October as coronavirus curbs were gradually lifted, while Thai shares <.SETI > bounced 0.4%.
Thai officials on Wednesday announced plans for 43.5 billion baht ($1.44 billion) of additional stimulus to try to boost domestic consumption and revive the tourism-reliant economy, even as global infections continue to rise.
Thailand also faces risk from continued political uncertainty and anti-government protests, which have been raging for months.
"The protests do not bode well for an already-contracting economy. We see political tensions mounting and lasting into 2021, with no clear solution in sight at this juncture," said Tim Leelahaphan, an economist at Standard Chartered.

Asian foreign exchange, stocks get vaccine boost as rebound hopes bloom
BENGALURU (Dec 3): Emerging Asian currencies and stocks broadly firmed on Thursday, as news that Britain would start vaccinating citizens against the coronavirus next week fanned hopes of a swift global economic rebound next year as the pandemic subsides.
Signs of progress in U.S. stimulus talks overnight also supported risk appetite and investors shunned the U.S. dollar in favour of currencies with higher yields and other emerging market assets.
Britain on Wednesday became the first western country to approve Pfizer Inc's COVID-19 vaccine, with its chief executive confident that vaccine supply would outpace demand by the end of 2021.
"Vaccines have provided a shot in the arm for sentiment thanks to the improving likelihood of a faster and more robust growth recovery," Societe Generale analysts said in a report.
Malaysian stocks jumped 0.9% to lead gains in Southeast Asia, while shares in South Korea and Singapore also rose.
Indonesian stocks hit a more than nine-month high, but later gave up gains to trade lower after the country's president said he hoped the central bank would take on "a more significant role" in upcoming reforms.
Proposals made in recent months to expand Bank Indonesia's mandate have irked investors and analysts and raised doubts about the central bank's independence.
Most regional currencies traded higher as the dollar continued to plumb a near two-and-a-half year low.
The greenback has been sold-off since last month as market participants pile into riskier holdings amid positive vaccine news and hopes of further stimulus support, and analysts at Goldman Sachs contend this trend may continue.
"An integral part of our negative dollar outlook for 2021 is that vaccine development and distribution will lead to coordinated global growth, helping to catalyze portfolio outflows from the U.S. into other markets," they said.
"Portfolio flows to more pro-growth sectors, particularly in China and other emerging markets, are likely a key factor behind the dollar's recent depreciation, and we expect that to continue."
Philippine stocks added 0.6% after data showed the country's unemployment rate eased in October as coronavirus curbs were gradually lifted, while Thai shares <.SETI > bounced 0.4%.
Thai officials on Wednesday announced plans for 43.5 billion baht ($1.44 billion) of additional stimulus to try to boost domestic consumption and revive the tourism-reliant economy, even as global infections continue to rise.
Thailand also faces risk from continued political uncertainty and anti-government protests, which have been raging for months.
"The protests do not bode well for an already-contracting economy. We see political tensions mounting and lasting into 2021, with no clear solution in sight at this juncture," said Tim Leelahaphan, an economist at Standard Chartered.

Free pneumococcal vaccination for children at health clinics starts today
(Dec 1): The free pneumococcal vaccination under the National Immunisation Programme for children begins simultaneously today at the Ministry of Health (MoH) health clinics nationwide, and will benefit 500,000 children each year.
Minister Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba said children born on or after Jan 1, 2020, are eligible for the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV), which would be given in three doses — two primary doses at the age of four months and six months, and a PCV booster at 15 months.
However, the pneumococcal immunisation schedule would be adjusted for children whose vaccinations have been delayed by the Covid-19 pandemic this year.
“The administration of the pneumococcal vaccine is the most effective method to prevent pneumococcal bacterial infection and indirectly reduce the resistance to antibiotics. This vaccine is also safe and effective.
The vaccination is vital and quite timely after the number of cases of children with the pneumococcal disease increased from 17,446 in 2017 to 19,773 last year," he said after launching the National Pneumococcal Immunisation Programme for Children at a health clinic here, today.
Also present were MoH disease control director Datuk Dr Norhayati Rusli, state Works, Transportation and Health committee chairman Datuk Seri Norol Azali Sulaiman and Pahang health director Datuk Dr Bahari Che Awang Ngah.
The vaccine is intended to prevent bacterial infections of Streptococcus pneumoniae or pneumococcus, which can cause diseases such as pneumonia, sinusitis, middle ear infection (otitis media), meningitis and bacterial infections in the blood (septicemia).
Complications of pneumococcal disease include hearing impairment, brain deformity and death. Children aged five and below are the most at risk of becoming infected and experiencing complications of this disease. Apart from reducing the rate of morbidity and mortality due to related diseases, the vaccination can also reduce treatment costs,” he said.
Dr Adham also said the MoH always ensures that the vaccine used is effective and safe, but parents are urged to report the side effects of the vaccine, if any, to health personnel or through the website at npra.gov.my.
MoH will also deploy the Orang Asli mobile team, mobile bus services, mobile boats and air doctor services to administer the vaccination to children in the rural areas, he added.

Free pneumococcal vaccination for children at health clinics starts today
(Dec 1): The free pneumococcal vaccination under the National Immunisation Programme for children begins simultaneously today at the Ministry of Health (MoH) health clinics nationwide, and will benefit 500,000 children each year.
Minister Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba said children born on or after Jan 1, 2020, are eligible for the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV), which would be given in three doses — two primary doses at the age of four months and six months, and a PCV booster at 15 months.
However, the pneumococcal immunisation schedule would be adjusted for children whose vaccinations have been delayed by the Covid-19 pandemic this year.
“The administration of the pneumococcal vaccine is the most effective method to prevent pneumococcal bacterial infection and indirectly reduce the resistance to antibiotics. This vaccine is also safe and effective.
The vaccination is vital and quite timely after the number of cases of children with the pneumococcal disease increased from 17,446 in 2017 to 19,773 last year," he said after launching the National Pneumococcal Immunisation Programme for Children at a health clinic here, today.
Also present were MoH disease control director Datuk Dr Norhayati Rusli, state Works, Transportation and Health committee chairman Datuk Seri Norol Azali Sulaiman and Pahang health director Datuk Dr Bahari Che Awang Ngah.
The vaccine is intended to prevent bacterial infections of Streptococcus pneumoniae or pneumococcus, which can cause diseases such as pneumonia, sinusitis, middle ear infection (otitis media), meningitis and bacterial infections in the blood (septicemia).
Complications of pneumococcal disease include hearing impairment, brain deformity and death. Children aged five and below are the most at risk of becoming infected and experiencing complications of this disease. Apart from reducing the rate of morbidity and mortality due to related diseases, the vaccination can also reduce treatment costs,” he said.
Dr Adham also said the MoH always ensures that the vaccine used is effective and safe, but parents are urged to report the side effects of the vaccine, if any, to health personnel or through the website at npra.gov.my.
MoH will also deploy the Orang Asli mobile team, mobile bus services, mobile boats and air doctor services to administer the vaccination to children in the rural areas, he added.

Free pneumococcal vaccination for children at health clinics starts today
(Dec 1): The free pneumococcal vaccination under the National Immunisation Programme for children begins simultaneously today at the Ministry of Health (MoH) health clinics nationwide, and will benefit 500,000 children each year.
Minister Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba said children born on or after Jan 1, 2020, are eligible for the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV), which would be given in three doses — two primary doses at the age of four months and six months, and a PCV booster at 15 months.
However, the pneumococcal immunisation schedule would be adjusted for children whose vaccinations have been delayed by the Covid-19 pandemic this year.
“The administration of the pneumococcal vaccine is the most effective method to prevent pneumococcal bacterial infection and indirectly reduce the resistance to antibiotics. This vaccine is also safe and effective.
The vaccination is vital and quite timely after the number of cases of children with the pneumococcal disease increased from 17,446 in 2017 to 19,773 last year," he said after launching the National Pneumococcal Immunisation Programme for Children at a health clinic here, today.
Also present were MoH disease control director Datuk Dr Norhayati Rusli, state Works, Transportation and Health committee chairman Datuk Seri Norol Azali Sulaiman and Pahang health director Datuk Dr Bahari Che Awang Ngah.
The vaccine is intended to prevent bacterial infections of Streptococcus pneumoniae or pneumococcus, which can cause diseases such as pneumonia, sinusitis, middle ear infection (otitis media), meningitis and bacterial infections in the blood (septicemia).
Complications of pneumococcal disease include hearing impairment, brain deformity and death. Children aged five and below are the most at risk of becoming infected and experiencing complications of this disease. Apart from reducing the rate of morbidity and mortality due to related diseases, the vaccination can also reduce treatment costs,” he said.
Dr Adham also said the MoH always ensures that the vaccine used is effective and safe, but parents are urged to report the side effects of the vaccine, if any, to health personnel or through the website at npra.gov.my.
MoH will also deploy the Orang Asli mobile team, mobile bus services, mobile boats and air doctor services to administer the vaccination to children in the rural areas, he added.

Free pneumococcal vaccination for children at health clinics starts today
(Dec 1): The free pneumococcal vaccination under the National Immunisation Programme for children begins simultaneously today at the Ministry of Health (MoH) health clinics nationwide, and will benefit 500,000 children each year.
Minister Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba said children born on or after Jan 1, 2020, are eligible for the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV), which would be given in three doses — two primary doses at the age of four months and six months, and a PCV booster at 15 months.
However, the pneumococcal immunisation schedule would be adjusted for children whose vaccinations have been delayed by the Covid-19 pandemic this year.
“The administration of the pneumococcal vaccine is the most effective method to prevent pneumococcal bacterial infection and indirectly reduce the resistance to antibiotics. This vaccine is also safe and effective.
The vaccination is vital and quite timely after the number of cases of children with the pneumococcal disease increased from 17,446 in 2017 to 19,773 last year," he said after launching the National Pneumococcal Immunisation Programme for Children at a health clinic here, today.
Also present were MoH disease control director Datuk Dr Norhayati Rusli, state Works, Transportation and Health committee chairman Datuk Seri Norol Azali Sulaiman and Pahang health director Datuk Dr Bahari Che Awang Ngah.
The vaccine is intended to prevent bacterial infections of Streptococcus pneumoniae or pneumococcus, which can cause diseases such as pneumonia, sinusitis, middle ear infection (otitis media), meningitis and bacterial infections in the blood (septicemia).
Complications of pneumococcal disease include hearing impairment, brain deformity and death. Children aged five and below are the most at risk of becoming infected and experiencing complications of this disease. Apart from reducing the rate of morbidity and mortality due to related diseases, the vaccination can also reduce treatment costs,” he said.
Dr Adham also said the MoH always ensures that the vaccine used is effective and safe, but parents are urged to report the side effects of the vaccine, if any, to health personnel or through the website at npra.gov.my.
MoH will also deploy the Orang Asli mobile team, mobile bus services, mobile boats and air doctor services to administer the vaccination to children in the rural areas, he added.

Free pneumococcal vaccination for children at health clinics starts today
(Dec 1): The free pneumococcal vaccination under the National Immunisation Programme for children begins simultaneously today at the Ministry of Health (MoH) health clinics nationwide, and will benefit 500,000 children each year.
Minister Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba said children born on or after Jan 1, 2020, are eligible for the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV), which would be given in three doses — two primary doses at the age of four months and six months, and a PCV booster at 15 months.
However, the pneumococcal immunisation schedule would be adjusted for children whose vaccinations have been delayed by the Covid-19 pandemic this year.
“The administration of the pneumococcal vaccine is the most effective method to prevent pneumococcal bacterial infection and indirectly reduce the resistance to antibiotics. This vaccine is also safe and effective.
The vaccination is vital and quite timely after the number of cases of children with the pneumococcal disease increased from 17,446 in 2017 to 19,773 last year," he said after launching the National Pneumococcal Immunisation Programme for Children at a health clinic here, today.
Also present were MoH disease control director Datuk Dr Norhayati Rusli, state Works, Transportation and Health committee chairman Datuk Seri Norol Azali Sulaiman and Pahang health director Datuk Dr Bahari Che Awang Ngah.
The vaccine is intended to prevent bacterial infections of Streptococcus pneumoniae or pneumococcus, which can cause diseases such as pneumonia, sinusitis, middle ear infection (otitis media), meningitis and bacterial infections in the blood (septicemia).
Complications of pneumococcal disease include hearing impairment, brain deformity and death. Children aged five and below are the most at risk of becoming infected and experiencing complications of this disease. Apart from reducing the rate of morbidity and mortality due to related diseases, the vaccination can also reduce treatment costs,” he said.
Dr Adham also said the MoH always ensures that the vaccine used is effective and safe, but parents are urged to report the side effects of the vaccine, if any, to health personnel or through the website at npra.gov.my.
MoH will also deploy the Orang Asli mobile team, mobile bus services, mobile boats and air doctor services to administer the vaccination to children in the rural areas, he added.

Rights issue made easier for companies to raise funds
November 10, 2020

KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 10): Companies are allowed to proceed with their proposed rights issue once the controlling shareholders are giving the irrevocable undertaking to subscribe for their full entitlement.
Companies could undertake the cash call even in the scenario that minority shareholders give it a cold shoulder.
Both the Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) and Bursa Malaysia have announced a temporary relief measure allowing eligible listed issuers to obtain mandated shareholder approval at a general meeting to undertake rights issue exercises.
"As a result of the pandemic and the Movement Control Order, many listed issuers are facing operational challenges, including raising working capital and repaying bank borrowings.
"An expedited process for rights issues will enable eligible listed issuers to be more agile as they can raise funds from their existing securities holders in a shorter time frame to meet their capital and financial needs," said the regulators in a joint statement.
Under the expedited process, the regulators said eligible listed issuers, namely the public-listed companies and listed real estate investment trusts (REITs), will be granted greater flexibility to manage market uncertainties while making capital calls, and fast-track secondary fundraising, subject to certain safeguards.
For instance, the regulators said, the eligible listed issuers must have controlling shareholders who will provide an irrevocable undertaking to subscribe for their full entitlements, with not more than a 30% discount to the theoretical ex-rights price on these newly issued shares or units.
In other words, underwriters are not required to take up the unsubscribed portion of the rights issue, should minority shareholders decline to fork out more capital.
However, the rights issue exercises implemented with mandate obtained under the temporary relief measures are subjected to certain conditions. For instance, such rights issue must be a plain vanilla issuance where it can only be utilised for ordinary shares or units. This is not applicable to other types of securities such as warrants or convertible shares, according to the statement.
The statement said the temporary flexibility to allow expedited rights issue exercises by public-listed companies and listed REITs will be introduced through an enhanced rights issue framework.
The framework allows companies to issue new rights shares or units to their existing securities holders on a pro rata basis, up to 50% of the total number of issued shares or issued units, according to the joint statement.
This means that the shareholding dilution could not be more than 50% as a result of the rights issue to be undertaken under this enhanced framework.
The new general mandate for rights issue is in addition to the enhanced 20% general mandate for the issue of new securities, commonly utilised for private placements. Both relief measures are valid until Dec 31, 2021, said the statement.
The SC and Bursa Malaysia said they will continue to monitor evolving developments in the securities and financial markets which have been affected by domestic and global events, to evaluate and recalibrate measures to support an efficient and resilient market.

“Following the massive sell down last week after the news of vaccines was reported, the valuation of glove players came down to quite a fair level and is becoming less expensive,
“The big four players experienced a drop in share price ranging from 8.3% to 15.6% last week, but their robust earnings will continue in the next few quarters as most of the glove players have very strong order books compared with the pre-pandemic level,” he said.
Another fund manager, however, opined that the gloves sector is lacking a catalyst to move on.
“Valuation comes and goes. Will Top Glove make a lot of money? Yes, they will. But will the market continue to pay them the premium valuation? It is hard to say,” the fund manager said.
“A lot of expectation has been built into the gloves valuation earlier on. As the COVID-19 vaccine appears, a year from now, the gloves demand may not be as good, its average selling prices may drop too, and the market will price them accordingly,” he said.
According to Bloomberg, Hartalega is now trading at a price-earnings (PE) ratio of about 49.2 times; Top glove is at 32.64 times; Supermax and Kossan are trading at 16.09 and 26.44 times respectively.
According to AmInvestment Bank Research’s Thong Pak Leng, glove counters which were traded at between 30 to 40 times during the pandemic outbreak, had been traded at around 20 PE before the pandemic.
“We have already in few months ago talked about vaccine in our sectoral report. The vaccine may cause some selling pressure, and we have already downgraded the sector to hold,” Thong told theedgemarkets.com.
He maintained his hold call on the sector as his call has reflected the impact of COVID-19 vaccines.
“The only concern now is that many companies are jumping on the rubber glove bandwagon, and that may lead to oversupply in future,” he said.
He also expects glove average selling prices to decline as there is no longer a rush for gloves compared with what happened at the beginning of the pandemic.
Meanwhile, MIDF Research’s analyst Ng Bei Shan maintained her buy call on the gloves sector, as she thinks the glove maker valuations are justified with their earnings.
“The reason that people think the valuation was very high was because the glove average selling prices had not gone up (previously), and the results of gloves companies had not been announced.
But now that the companies have released their results which showed the ballooning net profits they are making, it also means the valuation has come down by a lot,” she said.
She is still anticipating quarter on quarter earnings growth for glove makers in the upcoming results.

This year’s darlings — glove stocks — have been under downward pressure in recent weeks as the market is factoring the downside risks of these manufacturers.
JF Apex research head Lee Chung Cheng, who has a hold call on the sector, said the window of opportunity for glove stocks is getting slimmer as it is approaching the time when the COVID-19 vaccine is rolling out early next year.“Most probably, the market will start cyclical play, banking on economic recovery themes. You can see investors are switching out from healthcare to the recovery plays,” he told theedgemarkets.com.While the glove makers' share prices have come off from their peaks, he opined they are still trading slightly on the upside.The latest news is that Moderna Inc announced that its experimental vaccine is 94.5% effective in preventing COVID-19 based on interim data from a late-stage trial, becoming the second US drugmaker to report results that far exceed expectations.
This came on the heels of news that Pfizer Inc and BioNTech's experimental vaccine is more than 90% effective pending more safety data and regulatory review.
On top of that, in China, there are five vaccines that have entered late-stage human tests overseas.
Such newsflow continued to weigh on glove makers and led to a massive selling pressure on the stocks.
Hartalega Holdings Bhd fell 88 sen or 5.72% to RM14.50, making it the top loser today. If compared with its record high of RM20.50 on Aug 3, the stock has declined 29.27%.
Supermax Corp Bhd is the second top loser, falling 78 sen or 8.88% to RM8. The counter has lost 32.72% from its record high of RM11.89 on Aug 6.
Top Glove is also one of the top fourth losers, declining 58 sen or 7.46% to RM7.20. The counter has fallen 25% from its recent peak of RM9.60 on October 19.
Kossan Rubber Industries Bhd was also one of the top 10 losers, dropping 40 sen or 6.01% to RM6.26 today. It has declined 34.72% from its peak of RM9.59 on August 6.
Fortress Capital Asset Management chief executive officer Thomas Yong opined that positive sentiment in gloves is likely to reduce with the news of vaccines rolling out.
“Estimates in the street vary to a certain degree, hence analysts who pegged their target price to a very optimistic valuation might lower their target valuation,” he said.
However, he noted that the sector is still supported by solid fundamentals where the companies have delivered supernormal earnings growth so far, which is not going to stop abruptly after the discovery vaccines.

“Following the massive sell down last week after the news of vaccines was reported, the valuation of glove players came down to quite a fair level and is becoming less expensive,
“The big four players experienced a drop in share price ranging from 8.3% to 15.6% last week, but their robust earnings will continue in the next few quarters as most of the glove players have very strong order books compared with the pre-pandemic level,” he said.
Another fund manager, however, opined that the gloves sector is lacking a catalyst to move on.
“Valuation comes and goes. Will Top Glove make a lot of money? Yes, they will. But will the market continue to pay them the premium valuation? It is hard to say,” the fund manager said.
“A lot of expectation has been built into the gloves valuation earlier on. As the COVID-19 vaccine appears, a year from now, the gloves demand may not be as good, its average selling prices may drop too, and the market will price them accordingly,” he said.
According to Bloomberg, Hartalega is now trading at a price-earnings (PE) ratio of about 49.2 times; Top glove is at 32.64 times; Supermax and Kossan are trading at 16.09 and 26.44 times respectively.
According to AmInvestment Bank Research’s Thong Pak Leng, glove counters which were traded at between 30 to 40 times during the pandemic outbreak, had been traded at around 20 PE before the pandemic.
“We have already in few months ago talked about vaccine in our sectoral report. The vaccine may cause some selling pressure, and we have already downgraded the sector to hold,” Thong told theedgemarkets.com.
He maintained his hold call on the sector as his call has reflected the impact of COVID-19 vaccines.
“The only concern now is that many companies are jumping on the rubber glove bandwagon, and that may lead to oversupply in future,” he said.
He also expects glove average selling prices to decline as there is no longer a rush for gloves compared with what happened at the beginning of the pandemic.
Meanwhile, MIDF Research’s analyst Ng Bei Shan maintained her buy call on the gloves sector, as she thinks the glove maker valuations are justified with their earnings.
“The reason that people think the valuation was very high was because the glove average selling prices had not gone up (previously), and the results of gloves companies had not been announced.
But now that the companies have released their results which showed the ballooning net profits they are making, it also means the valuation has come down by a lot,” she said.
She is still anticipating quarter on quarter earnings growth for glove makers in the upcoming results.

This year’s darlings — glove stocks — have been under downward pressure in recent weeks as the market is factoring the downside risks of these manufacturers.
JF Apex research head Lee Chung Cheng, who has a hold call on the sector, said the window of opportunity for glove stocks is getting slimmer as it is approaching the time when the COVID-19 vaccine is rolling out early next year.“Most probably, the market will start cyclical play, banking on economic recovery themes. You can see investors are switching out from healthcare to the recovery plays,” he told theedgemarkets.com.While the glove makers' share prices have come off from their peaks, he opined they are still trading slightly on the upside.The latest news is that Moderna Inc announced that its experimental vaccine is 94.5% effective in preventing COVID-19 based on interim data from a late-stage trial, becoming the second US drugmaker to report results that far exceed expectations.
This came on the heels of news that Pfizer Inc and BioNTech's experimental vaccine is more than 90% effective pending more safety data and regulatory review.
On top of that, in China, there are five vaccines that have entered late-stage human tests overseas.
Such newsflow continued to weigh on glove makers and led to a massive selling pressure on the stocks.
Hartalega Holdings Bhd fell 88 sen or 5.72% to RM14.50, making it the top loser today. If compared with its record high of RM20.50 on Aug 3, the stock has declined 29.27%.
Supermax Corp Bhd is the second top loser, falling 78 sen or 8.88% to RM8. The counter has lost 32.72% from its record high of RM11.89 on Aug 6.
Top Glove is also one of the top fourth losers, declining 58 sen or 7.46% to RM7.20. The counter has fallen 25% from its recent peak of RM9.60 on October 19.
Kossan Rubber Industries Bhd was also one of the top 10 losers, dropping 40 sen or 6.01% to RM6.26 today. It has declined 34.72% from its peak of RM9.59 on August 6.
Fortress Capital Asset Management chief executive officer Thomas Yong opined that positive sentiment in gloves is likely to reduce with the news of vaccines rolling out.
“Estimates in the street vary to a certain degree, hence analysts who pegged their target price to a very optimistic valuation might lower their target valuation,” he said.
However, he noted that the sector is still supported by solid fundamentals where the companies have delivered supernormal earnings growth so far, which is not going to stop abruptly after the discovery vaccines.

“Following the massive sell down last week after the news of vaccines was reported, the valuation of glove players came down to quite a fair level and is becoming less expensive,
“The big four players experienced a drop in share price ranging from 8.3% to 15.6% last week, but their robust earnings will continue in the next few quarters as most of the glove players have very strong order books compared with the pre-pandemic level,” he said.
Another fund manager, however, opined that the gloves sector is lacking a catalyst to move on.
“Valuation comes and goes. Will Top Glove make a lot of money? Yes, they will. But will the market continue to pay them the premium valuation? It is hard to say,” the fund manager said.
“A lot of expectation has been built into the gloves valuation earlier on. As the COVID-19 vaccine appears, a year from now, the gloves demand may not be as good, its average selling prices may drop too, and the market will price them accordingly,” he said.
According to Bloomberg, Hartalega is now trading at a price-earnings (PE) ratio of about 49.2 times; Top glove is at 32.64 times; Supermax and Kossan are trading at 16.09 and 26.44 times respectively.
According to AmInvestment Bank Research’s Thong Pak Leng, glove counters which were traded at between 30 to 40 times during the pandemic outbreak, had been traded at around 20 PE before the pandemic.
“We have already in few months ago talked about vaccine in our sectoral report. The vaccine may cause some selling pressure, and we have already downgraded the sector to hold,” Thong told theedgemarkets.com.
He maintained his hold call on the sector as his call has reflected the impact of COVID-19 vaccines.
“The only concern now is that many companies are jumping on the rubber glove bandwagon, and that may lead to oversupply in future,” he said.
He also expects glove average selling prices to decline as there is no longer a rush for gloves compared with what happened at the beginning of the pandemic.
Meanwhile, MIDF Research’s analyst Ng Bei Shan maintained her buy call on the gloves sector, as she thinks the glove maker valuations are justified with their earnings.
“The reason that people think the valuation was very high was because the glove average selling prices had not gone up (previously), and the results of gloves companies had not been announced.
But now that the companies have released their results which showed the ballooning net profits they are making, it also means the valuation has come down by a lot,” she said.
She is still anticipating quarter on quarter earnings growth for glove makers in the upcoming results.

This year’s darlings — glove stocks — have been under downward pressure in recent weeks as the market is factoring the downside risks of these manufacturers.
JF Apex research head Lee Chung Cheng, who has a hold call on the sector, said the window of opportunity for glove stocks is getting slimmer as it is approaching the time when the COVID-19 vaccine is rolling out early next year.“Most probably, the market will start cyclical play, banking on economic recovery themes. You can see investors are switching out from healthcare to the recovery plays,” he told theedgemarkets.com.While the glove makers' share prices have come off from their peaks, he opined they are still trading slightly on the upside.The latest news is that Moderna Inc announced that its experimental vaccine is 94.5% effective in preventing COVID-19 based on interim data from a late-stage trial, becoming the second US drugmaker to report results that far exceed expectations.
This came on the heels of news that Pfizer Inc and BioNTech's experimental vaccine is more than 90% effective pending more safety data and regulatory review.
On top of that, in China, there are five vaccines that have entered late-stage human tests overseas.
Such newsflow continued to weigh on glove makers and led to a massive selling pressure on the stocks.
Hartalega Holdings Bhd fell 88 sen or 5.72% to RM14.50, making it the top loser today. If compared with its record high of RM20.50 on Aug 3, the stock has declined 29.27%.
Supermax Corp Bhd is the second top loser, falling 78 sen or 8.88% to RM8. The counter has lost 32.72% from its record high of RM11.89 on Aug 6.
Top Glove is also one of the top fourth losers, declining 58 sen or 7.46% to RM7.20. The counter has fallen 25% from its recent peak of RM9.60 on October 19.
Kossan Rubber Industries Bhd was also one of the top 10 losers, dropping 40 sen or 6.01% to RM6.26 today. It has declined 34.72% from its peak of RM9.59 on August 6.
Fortress Capital Asset Management chief executive officer Thomas Yong opined that positive sentiment in gloves is likely to reduce with the news of vaccines rolling out.
“Estimates in the street vary to a certain degree, hence analysts who pegged their target price to a very optimistic valuation might lower their target valuation,” he said.
However, he noted that the sector is still supported by solid fundamentals where the companies have delivered supernormal earnings growth so far, which is not going to stop abruptly after the discovery vaccines.

“Following the massive sell down last week after the news of vaccines was reported, the valuation of glove players came down to quite a fair level and is becoming less expensive,
“The big four players experienced a drop in share price ranging from 8.3% to 15.6% last week, but their robust earnings will continue in the next few quarters as most of the glove players have very strong order books compared with the pre-pandemic level,” he said.
Another fund manager, however, opined that the gloves sector is lacking a catalyst to move on.
“Valuation comes and goes. Will Top Glove make a lot of money? Yes, they will. But will the market continue to pay them the premium valuation? It is hard to say,” the fund manager said.
“A lot of expectation has been built into the gloves valuation earlier on. As the COVID-19 vaccine appears, a year from now, the gloves demand may not be as good, its average selling prices may drop too, and the market will price them accordingly,” he said.
According to Bloomberg, Hartalega is now trading at a price-earnings (PE) ratio of about 49.2 times; Top glove is at 32.64 times; Supermax and Kossan are trading at 16.09 and 26.44 times respectively.
According to AmInvestment Bank Research’s Thong Pak Leng, glove counters which were traded at between 30 to 40 times during the pandemic outbreak, had been traded at around 20 PE before the pandemic.
“We have already in few months ago talked about vaccine in our sectoral report. The vaccine may cause some selling pressure, and we have already downgraded the sector to hold,” Thong told theedgemarkets.com.
He maintained his hold call on the sector as his call has reflected the impact of COVID-19 vaccines.
“The only concern now is that many companies are jumping on the rubber glove bandwagon, and that may lead to oversupply in future,” he said.
He also expects glove average selling prices to decline as there is no longer a rush for gloves compared with what happened at the beginning of the pandemic.
Meanwhile, MIDF Research’s analyst Ng Bei Shan maintained her buy call on the gloves sector, as she thinks the glove maker valuations are justified with their earnings.
“The reason that people think the valuation was very high was because the glove average selling prices had not gone up (previously), and the results of gloves companies had not been announced.
But now that the companies have released their results which showed the ballooning net profits they are making, it also means the valuation has come down by a lot,” she said.
She is still anticipating quarter on quarter earnings growth for glove makers in the upcoming results.

This year’s darlings — glove stocks — have been under downward pressure in recent weeks as the market is factoring the downside risks of these manufacturers.
JF Apex research head Lee Chung Cheng, who has a hold call on the sector, said the window of opportunity for glove stocks is getting slimmer as it is approaching the time when the COVID-19 vaccine is rolling out early next year.“Most probably, the market will start cyclical play, banking on economic recovery themes. You can see investors are switching out from healthcare to the recovery plays,” he told theedgemarkets.com.While the glove makers' share prices have come off from their peaks, he opined they are still trading slightly on the upside.The latest news is that Moderna Inc announced that its experimental vaccine is 94.5% effective in preventing COVID-19 based on interim data from a late-stage trial, becoming the second US drugmaker to report results that far exceed expectations.
This came on the heels of news that Pfizer Inc and BioNTech's experimental vaccine is more than 90% effective pending more safety data and regulatory review.
On top of that, in China, there are five vaccines that have entered late-stage human tests overseas.
Such newsflow continued to weigh on glove makers and led to a massive selling pressure on the stocks.
Hartalega Holdings Bhd fell 88 sen or 5.72% to RM14.50, making it the top loser today. If compared with its record high of RM20.50 on Aug 3, the stock has declined 29.27%.
Supermax Corp Bhd is the second top loser, falling 78 sen or 8.88% to RM8. The counter has lost 32.72% from its record high of RM11.89 on Aug 6.
Top Glove is also one of the top fourth losers, declining 58 sen or 7.46% to RM7.20. The counter has fallen 25% from its recent peak of RM9.60 on October 19.
Kossan Rubber Industries Bhd was also one of the top 10 losers, dropping 40 sen or 6.01% to RM6.26 today. It has declined 34.72% from its peak of RM9.59 on August 6.
Fortress Capital Asset Management chief executive officer Thomas Yong opined that positive sentiment in gloves is likely to reduce with the news of vaccines rolling out.
“Estimates in the street vary to a certain degree, hence analysts who pegged their target price to a very optimistic valuation might lower their target valuation,” he said.
However, he noted that the sector is still supported by solid fundamentals where the companies have delivered supernormal earnings growth so far, which is not going to stop abruptly after the discovery vaccines.

Govt has communicated with 10 Covid-19 vaccine producers, says Khairy
KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 16): The government has communicated with 10 Covid-19 vaccine producers following a notification by the World Health Organization (WHO) that there are 11 Covid-19 vaccine candidates in phase 3 clinical trial (as of Nov 13).
Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said communications with eight of the producers was made directly, while the other two was through the Covid-19 Vaccine Global Access Facility (COVAX).
He said some of the discussions are in the final stage and an official announcement would be made when everything has been finalised.
“The discussion covers aspects of cooperation in various stages of vaccine development such as R&D (research and development), exchange of scientists, fill and finish development (transfer of technology, logistics, cold chain), including the purchase of vaccines (finished products) as a guarantee of access to vaccine supply for the country," he said during the questions for oral answers session in the Dewan Rakyat today.
He was responding to a question from Chan Foong Hin (Pakatan Harapan-Kota Kinabalu) who wanted to know whether the ministry had made any order to import vaccines from companies from China, such as Cansino, Sinovac and Sinopharm, or the UK, such as AstraZeneca, and whether the ministry would set the order of priority for Covid-19 vaccination as being done in Indonesia.
Khairy said through participation in COVAX, Malaysia would have access to the supply of Covid-19 vaccine of 10% of the country's population and the government was working to get another 60% to meet the national immunisation target for herd immunity to up to 70 per cent of the country's population.
The government, he said, was also working to get vaccine access as early as the first or second quarter of next year depending on the approval from the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA).
He said the NPRA will ensure that a vaccine passes the stipulated strict conditions, covering its safety and effectiveness through data on the clinical trial that was conducted.
Meanwhile, on the list of immunisation priorities, Khairy said the Special Committee on Covid-19 Vaccine Supply Access (JKJAV), set up on Oct 14 , had agreed to divide it into three groups, namely the frontliners, involving staff of the Ministry of Health (MoH) and agencies not under the MoH, such as the police, the Malaysian Armed Forces, Immigration Department and others, in the first group.
The second is for high-risk groups, such as individuals with co-morbid and seniors citizens, and the third involves other adult population.
Details of the groups are being made and the announcement is expected to be made during the first quarter of next year.

Covid-19 vaccine dampens sentiment on glove counters in morning trade
KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 16): Glove stocks were headed lower in Bursa Malaysia's morning trading session today due to the news flow of Covid-19 vaccine progress, which dampened sentiment on the counters.
As at the time of writing, glove stocks were among the top losers today. At 11.53am, Hartalega Holdings Bhd, being the second top loser, was down 4.29% or 66 sen at RM14.72, bringing its market capitalisation lower to RM50.54 billion. It saw some 2.78 million shares traded.
In the fourth place was Supermax Corp Bhd, which fell 5.24% or 46 sen to RM8.32, with a market value of RM22.72 billion.
More than seven months after the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the Covid-19 outbreak in China a “public health emergency of international concern”, the global economy continues to reel from the impact of the virus.
Meanwhile, Top Glove Corp Bhd, which bought back 8.94 million or 0.72% of its shares for RM69.9 million in the open market last Friday, dropped 3.98% or 31 sen to RM7.47, valuing the stock at RM61.47 billion. The counter was the seventh biggest loser as at the time of writing.
The smaller players were also not spared from the selling pressure. Kossan Rubber Industries Bhd lost 4.2% or 28 sen to RM6.38, Careplus Group Bhd fell 6.58% or 20 sen to RM2.84, and Comfort Gloves Bhd shed 4.71% or 19 sen to RM3.84.
The Healthcare Index was dragged down by the glove stocks, declining by 1.75% or 69.68 points to 3,921.47.
Last week, Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech announced that their experimental Covid-19 vaccine was more than 90% effective with no serious safety concerns based on initial trial results.
They also estimated that they can roll out up to 50 million doses this year for 25 million people and produce 1.3 billion doses in 2021.

Covid-19 vaccine dampens sentiment on glove counters in morning trade
KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 16): Glove stocks were headed lower in Bursa Malaysia's morning trading session today due to the news flow of Covid-19 vaccine progress, which dampened sentiment on the counters.
As at the time of writing, glove stocks were among the top losers today. At 11.53am, Hartalega Holdings Bhd, being the second top loser, was down 4.29% or 66 sen at RM14.72, bringing its market capitalisation lower to RM50.54 billion. It saw some 2.78 million shares traded.
In the fourth place was Supermax Corp Bhd, which fell 5.24% or 46 sen to RM8.32, with a market value of RM22.72 billion.
More than seven months after the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the Covid-19 outbreak in China a “public health emergency of international concern”, the global economy continues to reel from the impact of the virus.
Meanwhile, Top Glove Corp Bhd, which bought back 8.94 million or 0.72% of its shares for RM69.9 million in the open market last Friday, dropped 3.98% or 31 sen to RM7.47, valuing the stock at RM61.47 billion. The counter was the seventh biggest loser as at the time of writing.
The smaller players were also not spared from the selling pressure. Kossan Rubber Industries Bhd lost 4.2% or 28 sen to RM6.38, Careplus Group Bhd fell 6.58% or 20 sen to RM2.84, and Comfort Gloves Bhd shed 4.71% or 19 sen to RM3.84.
The Healthcare Index was dragged down by the glove stocks, declining by 1.75% or 69.68 points to 3,921.47.
Last week, Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech announced that their experimental Covid-19 vaccine was more than 90% effective with no serious safety concerns based on initial trial results.
They also estimated that they can roll out up to 50 million doses this year for 25 million people and produce 1.3 billion doses in 2021.

Govt has communicated with 10 Covid-19 vaccine producers, says Khairy
KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 16): The government has communicated with 10 Covid-19 vaccine producers following a notification by the World Health Organization (WHO) that there are 11 Covid-19 vaccine candidates in phase 3 clinical trial (as of Nov 13).
Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said communications with eight of the producers was made directly, while the other two was through the Covid-19 Vaccine Global Access Facility (COVAX).
He said some of the discussions are in the final stage and an official announcement would be made when everything has been finalised.
“The discussion covers aspects of cooperation in various stages of vaccine development such as R&D (research and development), exchange of scientists, fill and finish development (transfer of technology, logistics, cold chain), including the purchase of vaccines (finished products) as a guarantee of access to vaccine supply for the country," he said during the questions for oral answers session in the Dewan Rakyat today.
He was responding to a question from Chan Foong Hin (Pakatan Harapan-Kota Kinabalu) who wanted to know whether the ministry had made any order to import vaccines from companies from China, such as Cansino, Sinovac and Sinopharm, or the UK, such as AstraZeneca, and whether the ministry would set the order of priority for Covid-19 vaccination as being done in Indonesia.
Khairy said through participation in COVAX, Malaysia would have access to the supply of Covid-19 vaccine of 10% of the country's population and the government was working to get another 60% to meet the national immunisation target for herd immunity to up to 70 per cent of the country's population.
The government, he said, was also working to get vaccine access as early as the first or second quarter of next year depending on the approval from the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA).
He said the NPRA will ensure that a vaccine passes the stipulated strict conditions, covering its safety and effectiveness through data on the clinical trial that was conducted.
Meanwhile, on the list of immunisation priorities, Khairy said the Special Committee on Covid-19 Vaccine Supply Access (JKJAV), set up on Oct 14 , had agreed to divide it into three groups, namely the frontliners, involving staff of the Ministry of Health (MoH) and agencies not under the MoH, such as the police, the Malaysian Armed Forces, Immigration Department and others, in the first group.
The second is for high-risk groups, such as individuals with co-morbid and seniors citizens, and the third involves other adult population.
Details of the groups are being made and the announcement is expected to be made during the first quarter of next year.

Govt has communicated with 10 Covid-19 vaccine producers, says Khairy
KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 16): The government has communicated with 10 Covid-19 vaccine producers following a notification by the World Health Organization (WHO) that there are 11 Covid-19 vaccine candidates in phase 3 clinical trial (as of Nov 13).
Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said communications with eight of the producers was made directly, while the other two was through the Covid-19 Vaccine Global Access Facility (COVAX).
He said some of the discussions are in the final stage and an official announcement would be made when everything has been finalised.
“The discussion covers aspects of cooperation in various stages of vaccine development such as R&D (research and development), exchange of scientists, fill and finish development (transfer of technology, logistics, cold chain), including the purchase of vaccines (finished products) as a guarantee of access to vaccine supply for the country," he said during the questions for oral answers session in the Dewan Rakyat today.
He was responding to a question from Chan Foong Hin (Pakatan Harapan-Kota Kinabalu) who wanted to know whether the ministry had made any order to import vaccines from companies from China, such as Cansino, Sinovac and Sinopharm, or the UK, such as AstraZeneca, and whether the ministry would set the order of priority for Covid-19 vaccination as being done in Indonesia.
Khairy said through participation in COVAX, Malaysia would have access to the supply of Covid-19 vaccine of 10% of the country's population and the government was working to get another 60% to meet the national immunisation target for herd immunity to up to 70 per cent of the country's population.
The government, he said, was also working to get vaccine access as early as the first or second quarter of next year depending on the approval from the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA).
He said the NPRA will ensure that a vaccine passes the stipulated strict conditions, covering its safety and effectiveness through data on the clinical trial that was conducted.
Meanwhile, on the list of immunisation priorities, Khairy said the Special Committee on Covid-19 Vaccine Supply Access (JKJAV), set up on Oct 14 , had agreed to divide it into three groups, namely the frontliners, involving staff of the Ministry of Health (MoH) and agencies not under the MoH, such as the police, the Malaysian Armed Forces, Immigration Department and others, in the first group.
The second is for high-risk groups, such as individuals with co-morbid and seniors citizens, and the third involves other adult population.
Details of the groups are being made and the announcement is expected to be made during the first quarter of next year.

Covid-19 vaccine dampens sentiment on glove counters in morning trade
KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 16): Glove stocks were headed lower in Bursa Malaysia's morning trading session today due to the news flow of Covid-19 vaccine progress, which dampened sentiment on the counters.
As at the time of writing, glove stocks were among the top losers today. At 11.53am, Hartalega Holdings Bhd, being the second top loser, was down 4.29% or 66 sen at RM14.72, bringing its market capitalisation lower to RM50.54 billion. It saw some 2.78 million shares traded.
In the fourth place was Supermax Corp Bhd, which fell 5.24% or 46 sen to RM8.32, with a market value of RM22.72 billion.
More than seven months after the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the Covid-19 outbreak in China a “public health emergency of international concern”, the global economy continues to reel from the impact of the virus.
Meanwhile, Top Glove Corp Bhd, which bought back 8.94 million or 0.72% of its shares for RM69.9 million in the open market last Friday, dropped 3.98% or 31 sen to RM7.47, valuing the stock at RM61.47 billion. The counter was the seventh biggest loser as at the time of writing.
The smaller players were also not spared from the selling pressure. Kossan Rubber Industries Bhd lost 4.2% or 28 sen to RM6.38, Careplus Group Bhd fell 6.58% or 20 sen to RM2.84, and Comfort Gloves Bhd shed 4.71% or 19 sen to RM3.84.
The Healthcare Index was dragged down by the glove stocks, declining by 1.75% or 69.68 points to 3,921.47.
Last week, Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech announced that their experimental Covid-19 vaccine was more than 90% effective with no serious safety concerns based on initial trial results.
They also estimated that they can roll out up to 50 million doses this year for 25 million people and produce 1.3 billion doses in 2021.

Govt has communicated with 10 Covid-19 vaccine producers, says Khairy
KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 16): The government has communicated with 10 Covid-19 vaccine producers following a notification by the World Health Organization (WHO) that there are 11 Covid-19 vaccine candidates in phase 3 clinical trial (as of Nov 13).
Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said communications with eight of the producers was made directly, while the other two was through the Covid-19 Vaccine Global Access Facility (COVAX).
He said some of the discussions are in the final stage and an official announcement would be made when everything has been finalised.
“The discussion covers aspects of cooperation in various stages of vaccine development such as R&D (research and development), exchange of scientists, fill and finish development (transfer of technology, logistics, cold chain), including the purchase of vaccines (finished products) as a guarantee of access to vaccine supply for the country," he said during the questions for oral answers session in the Dewan Rakyat today.
He was responding to a question from Chan Foong Hin (Pakatan Harapan-Kota Kinabalu) who wanted to know whether the ministry had made any order to import vaccines from companies from China, such as Cansino, Sinovac and Sinopharm, or the UK, such as AstraZeneca, and whether the ministry would set the order of priority for Covid-19 vaccination as being done in Indonesia.
Khairy said through participation in COVAX, Malaysia would have access to the supply of Covid-19 vaccine of 10% of the country's population and the government was working to get another 60% to meet the national immunisation target for herd immunity to up to 70 per cent of the country's population.
The government, he said, was also working to get vaccine access as early as the first or second quarter of next year depending on the approval from the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA).
He said the NPRA will ensure that a vaccine passes the stipulated strict conditions, covering its safety and effectiveness through data on the clinical trial that was conducted.
Meanwhile, on the list of immunisation priorities, Khairy said the Special Committee on Covid-19 Vaccine Supply Access (JKJAV), set up on Oct 14 , had agreed to divide it into three groups, namely the frontliners, involving staff of the Ministry of Health (MoH) and agencies not under the MoH, such as the police, the Malaysian Armed Forces, Immigration Department and others, in the first group.
The second is for high-risk groups, such as individuals with co-morbid and seniors citizens, and the third involves other adult population.
Details of the groups are being made and the announcement is expected to be made during the first quarter of next year.

Govt has communicated with 10 Covid-19 vaccine producers, says Khairy
KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 16): The government has communicated with 10 Covid-19 vaccine producers following a notification by the World Health Organization (WHO) that there are 11 Covid-19 vaccine candidates in phase 3 clinical trial (as of Nov 13).
Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said communications with eight of the producers was made directly, while the other two was through the Covid-19 Vaccine Global Access Facility (COVAX).
He said some of the discussions are in the final stage and an official announcement would be made when everything has been finalised.
“The discussion covers aspects of cooperation in various stages of vaccine development such as R&D (research and development), exchange of scientists, fill and finish development (transfer of technology, logistics, cold chain), including the purchase of vaccines (finished products) as a guarantee of access to vaccine supply for the country," he said during the questions for oral answers session in the Dewan Rakyat today.
He was responding to a question from Chan Foong Hin (Pakatan Harapan-Kota Kinabalu) who wanted to know whether the ministry had made any order to import vaccines from companies from China, such as Cansino, Sinovac and Sinopharm, or the UK, such as AstraZeneca, and whether the ministry would set the order of priority for Covid-19 vaccination as being done in Indonesia.
Khairy said through participation in COVAX, Malaysia would have access to the supply of Covid-19 vaccine of 10% of the country's population and the government was working to get another 60% to meet the national immunisation target for herd immunity to up to 70 per cent of the country's population.
The government, he said, was also working to get vaccine access as early as the first or second quarter of next year depending on the approval from the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA).
He said the NPRA will ensure that a vaccine passes the stipulated strict conditions, covering its safety and effectiveness through data on the clinical trial that was conducted.
Meanwhile, on the list of immunisation priorities, Khairy said the Special Committee on Covid-19 Vaccine Supply Access (JKJAV), set up on Oct 14 , had agreed to divide it into three groups, namely the frontliners, involving staff of the Ministry of Health (MoH) and agencies not under the MoH, such as the police, the Malaysian Armed Forces, Immigration Department and others, in the first group.
The second is for high-risk groups, such as individuals with co-morbid and seniors citizens, and the third involves other adult population.
Details of the groups are being made and the announcement is expected to be made during the first quarter of next year.

Covid-19 vaccine dampens sentiment on glove counters in morning trade
KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 16): Glove stocks were headed lower in Bursa Malaysia's morning trading session today due to the news flow of Covid-19 vaccine progress, which dampened sentiment on the counters.
As at the time of writing, glove stocks were among the top losers today. At 11.53am, Hartalega Holdings Bhd, being the second top loser, was down 4.29% or 66 sen at RM14.72, bringing its market capitalisation lower to RM50.54 billion. It saw some 2.78 million shares traded.
In the fourth place was Supermax Corp Bhd, which fell 5.24% or 46 sen to RM8.32, with a market value of RM22.72 billion.
More than seven months after the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the Covid-19 outbreak in China a “public health emergency of international concern”, the global economy continues to reel from the impact of the virus.
Meanwhile, Top Glove Corp Bhd, which bought back 8.94 million or 0.72% of its shares for RM69.9 million in the open market last Friday, dropped 3.98% or 31 sen to RM7.47, valuing the stock at RM61.47 billion. The counter was the seventh biggest loser as at the time of writing.
The smaller players were also not spared from the selling pressure. Kossan Rubber Industries Bhd lost 4.2% or 28 sen to RM6.38, Careplus Group Bhd fell 6.58% or 20 sen to RM2.84, and Comfort Gloves Bhd shed 4.71% or 19 sen to RM3.84.
The Healthcare Index was dragged down by the glove stocks, declining by 1.75% or 69.68 points to 3,921.47.
Last week, Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech announced that their experimental Covid-19 vaccine was more than 90% effective with no serious safety concerns based on initial trial results.
They also estimated that they can roll out up to 50 million doses this year for 25 million people and produce 1.3 billion doses in 2021.

Govt has communicated with 10 Covid-19 vaccine producers, says Khairy
KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 16): The government has communicated with 10 Covid-19 vaccine producers following a notification by the World Health Organization (WHO) that there are 11 Covid-19 vaccine candidates in phase 3 clinical trial (as of Nov 13).
Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said communications with eight of the producers was made directly, while the other two was through the Covid-19 Vaccine Global Access Facility (COVAX).
He said some of the discussions are in the final stage and an official announcement would be made when everything has been finalised.
“The discussion covers aspects of cooperation in various stages of vaccine development such as R&D (research and development), exchange of scientists, fill and finish development (transfer of technology, logistics, cold chain), including the purchase of vaccines (finished products) as a guarantee of access to vaccine supply for the country," he said during the questions for oral answers session in the Dewan Rakyat today.
He was responding to a question from Chan Foong Hin (Pakatan Harapan-Kota Kinabalu) who wanted to know whether the ministry had made any order to import vaccines from companies from China, such as Cansino, Sinovac and Sinopharm, or the UK, such as AstraZeneca, and whether the ministry would set the order of priority for Covid-19 vaccination as being done in Indonesia.
Khairy said through participation in COVAX, Malaysia would have access to the supply of Covid-19 vaccine of 10% of the country's population and the government was working to get another 60% to meet the national immunisation target for herd immunity to up to 70 per cent of the country's population.
The government, he said, was also working to get vaccine access as early as the first or second quarter of next year depending on the approval from the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA).
He said the NPRA will ensure that a vaccine passes the stipulated strict conditions, covering its safety and effectiveness through data on the clinical trial that was conducted.
Meanwhile, on the list of immunisation priorities, Khairy said the Special Committee on Covid-19 Vaccine Supply Access (JKJAV), set up on Oct 14 , had agreed to divide it into three groups, namely the frontliners, involving staff of the Ministry of Health (MoH) and agencies not under the MoH, such as the police, the Malaysian Armed Forces, Immigration Department and others, in the first group.
The second is for high-risk groups, such as individuals with co-morbid and seniors citizens, and the third involves other adult population.
Details of the groups are being made and the announcement is expected to be made during the first quarter of next year.

Covid-19 vaccine dampens sentiment on glove counters in morning trade
KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 16): Glove stocks were headed lower in Bursa Malaysia's morning trading session today due to the news flow of Covid-19 vaccine progress, which dampened sentiment on the counters.
As at the time of writing, glove stocks were among the top losers today. At 11.53am, Hartalega Holdings Bhd, being the second top loser, was down 4.29% or 66 sen at RM14.72, bringing its market capitalisation lower to RM50.54 billion. It saw some 2.78 million shares traded.
In the fourth place was Supermax Corp Bhd, which fell 5.24% or 46 sen to RM8.32, with a market value of RM22.72 billion.
More than seven months after the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the Covid-19 outbreak in China a “public health emergency of international concern”, the global economy continues to reel from the impact of the virus.
Meanwhile, Top Glove Corp Bhd, which bought back 8.94 million or 0.72% of its shares for RM69.9 million in the open market last Friday, dropped 3.98% or 31 sen to RM7.47, valuing the stock at RM61.47 billion. The counter was the seventh biggest loser as at the time of writing.
The smaller players were also not spared from the selling pressure. Kossan Rubber Industries Bhd lost 4.2% or 28 sen to RM6.38, Careplus Group Bhd fell 6.58% or 20 sen to RM2.84, and Comfort Gloves Bhd shed 4.71% or 19 sen to RM3.84.
The Healthcare Index was dragged down by the glove stocks, declining by 1.75% or 69.68 points to 3,921.47.
Last week, Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech announced that their experimental Covid-19 vaccine was more than 90% effective with no serious safety concerns based on initial trial results.
They also estimated that they can roll out up to 50 million doses this year for 25 million people and produce 1.3 billion doses in 2021.

KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 16): The government has communicated with 10 Covid-19 vaccine producers following a notification by the World Health Organization (WHO) that there are 11 Covid-19 vaccine candidates in phase 3 clinical trial (as of Nov 13).

Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said communications with eight of the producers was made directly, while the other two was through the Covid-19 Vaccine Global Access Facility (COVAX).

He said some of the discussions are in the final stage and an official announcement would be made when everything has been finalised.

“The discussion covers aspects of cooperation in various stages of vaccine development such as R&D (research and development), exchange of scientists, fill and finish development (transfer of technology, logistics, cold chain), including the purchase of vaccines (finished products) as a guarantee of access to vaccine supply for the country," he said during the questions for oral answers session in the Dewan Rakyat today.

He was responding to a question from Chan Foong Hin (Pakatan Harapan-Kota Kinabalu) who wanted to know whether the ministry had made any order to import vaccines from companies from China, such as Cansino, Sinovac and Sinopharm, or the UK, such as AstraZeneca, and whether the ministry would set the order of priority for Covid-19 vaccination as being done in Indonesia.

Khairy said through participation in COVAX, Malaysia would have access to the supply of Covid-19 vaccine of 10% of the country's population and the government was working to get another 60% to meet the national immunisation target for herd immunity to up to 70 per cent of the country's population.

The government, he said, was also working to get vaccine access as early as the first or second quarter of next year depending on the approval from the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA).

He said the NPRA will ensure that a vaccine passes the stipulated strict conditions, covering its safety and effectiveness through data on the clinical trial that was conducted.

Meanwhile, on the list of immunisation priorities, Khairy said the Special Committee on Covid-19 Vaccine Supply Access (JKJAV), set up on Oct 14 , had agreed to divide it into three groups, namely the frontliners, involving staff of the Ministry of Health (MoH) and agencies not under the MoH, such as the police, the Malaysian Armed Forces, Immigration Department and others, in the first group.

The second is for high-risk groups, such as individuals with co-morbid and seniors citizens, and the third involves other adult population.

Details of the groups are being made and the announcement is expected to be made during the first quarter of next year.

Covid-19 vaccine dampens sentiment on glove counters in morning trade
KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 16): Glove stocks were headed lower in Bursa Malaysia's morning trading session today due to the news flow of Covid-19 vaccine progress, which dampened sentiment on the counters.
As at the time of writing, glove stocks were among the top losers today. At 11.53am, Hartalega Holdings Bhd, being the second top loser, was down 4.29% or 66 sen at RM14.72, bringing its market capitalisation lower to RM50.54 billion. It saw some 2.78 million shares traded.
In the fourth place was Supermax Corp Bhd, which fell 5.24% or 46 sen to RM8.32, with a market value of RM22.72 billion.
More than seven months after the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the Covid-19 outbreak in China a “public health emergency of international concern”, the global economy continues to reel from the impact of the virus.
Meanwhile, Top Glove Corp Bhd, which bought back 8.94 million or 0.72% of its shares for RM69.9 million in the open market last Friday, dropped 3.98% or 31 sen to RM7.47, valuing the stock at RM61.47 billion. The counter was the seventh biggest loser as at the time of writing.
The smaller players were also not spared from the selling pressure. Kossan Rubber Industries Bhd lost 4.2% or 28 sen to RM6.38, Careplus Group Bhd fell 6.58% or 20 sen to RM2.84, and Comfort Gloves Bhd shed 4.71% or 19 sen to RM3.84.
The Healthcare Index was dragged down by the glove stocks, declining by 1.75% or 69.68 points to 3,921.47.
Last week, Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech announced that their experimental Covid-19 vaccine was more than 90% effective with no serious safety concerns based on initial trial results.
They also estimated that they can roll out up to 50 million doses this year for 25 million people and produce 1.3 billion doses in 2021.

KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 16): The government has communicated with 10 Covid-19 vaccine producers following a notification by the World Health Organization (WHO) that there are 11 Covid-19 vaccine candidates in phase 3 clinical trial (as of Nov 13).

Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said communications with eight of the producers was made directly, while the other two was through the Covid-19 Vaccine Global Access Facility (COVAX).

He said some of the discussions are in the final stage and an official announcement would be made when everything has been finalised.

“The discussion covers aspects of cooperation in various stages of vaccine development such as R&D (research and development), exchange of scientists, fill and finish development (transfer of technology, logistics, cold chain), including the purchase of vaccines (finished products) as a guarantee of access to vaccine supply for the country," he said during the questions for oral answers session in the Dewan Rakyat today.

He was responding to a question from Chan Foong Hin (Pakatan Harapan-Kota Kinabalu) who wanted to know whether the ministry had made any order to import vaccines from companies from China, such as Cansino, Sinovac and Sinopharm, or the UK, such as AstraZeneca, and whether the ministry would set the order of priority for Covid-19 vaccination as being done in Indonesia.

Khairy said through participation in COVAX, Malaysia would have access to the supply of Covid-19 vaccine of 10% of the country's population and the government was working to get another 60% to meet the national immunisation target for herd immunity to up to 70 per cent of the country's population.

The government, he said, was also working to get vaccine access as early as the first or second quarter of next year depending on the approval from the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA).

He said the NPRA will ensure that a vaccine passes the stipulated strict conditions, covering its safety and effectiveness through data on the clinical trial that was conducted.

Meanwhile, on the list of immunisation priorities, Khairy said the Special Committee on Covid-19 Vaccine Supply Access (JKJAV), set up on Oct 14 , had agreed to divide it into three groups, namely the frontliners, involving staff of the Ministry of Health (MoH) and agencies not under the MoH, such as the police, the Malaysian Armed Forces, Immigration Department and others, in the first group.

The second is for high-risk groups, such as individuals with co-morbid and seniors citizens, and the third involves other adult population.

Details of the groups are being made and the announcement is expected to be made during the first quarter of next year.

Covid-19 vaccine dampens sentiment on glove counters in morning trade
KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 16): Glove stocks were headed lower in Bursa Malaysia's morning trading session today due to the news flow of Covid-19 vaccine progress, which dampened sentiment on the counters.
As at the time of writing, glove stocks were among the top losers today. At 11.53am, Hartalega Holdings Bhd, being the second top loser, was down 4.29% or 66 sen at RM14.72, bringing its market capitalisation lower to RM50.54 billion. It saw some 2.78 million shares traded.
In the fourth place was Supermax Corp Bhd, which fell 5.24% or 46 sen to RM8.32, with a market value of RM22.72 billion.
More than seven months after the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the Covid-19 outbreak in China a “public health emergency of international concern”, the global economy continues to reel from the impact of the virus.
Meanwhile, Top Glove Corp Bhd, which bought back 8.94 million or 0.72% of its shares for RM69.9 million in the open market last Friday, dropped 3.98% or 31 sen to RM7.47, valuing the stock at RM61.47 billion. The counter was the seventh biggest loser as at the time of writing.
The smaller players were also not spared from the selling pressure. Kossan Rubber Industries Bhd lost 4.2% or 28 sen to RM6.38, Careplus Group Bhd fell 6.58% or 20 sen to RM2.84, and Comfort Gloves Bhd shed 4.71% or 19 sen to RM3.84.
The Healthcare Index was dragged down by the glove stocks, declining by 1.75% or 69.68 points to 3,921.47.
Last week, Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech announced that their experimental Covid-19 vaccine was more than 90% effective with no serious safety concerns based on initial trial results.
They also estimated that they can roll out up to 50 million doses this year for 25 million people and produce 1.3 billion doses in 2021.

Govt has communicated with 10 Covid-19 vaccine producers, says Khairy
KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 16): The government has communicated with 10 Covid-19 vaccine producers following a notification by the World Health Organization (WHO) that there are 11 Covid-19 vaccine candidates in phase 3 clinical trial (as of Nov 13).
Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said communications with eight of the producers was made directly, while the other two was through the Covid-19 Vaccine Global Access Facility (COVAX).
He said some of the discussions are in the final stage and an official announcement would be made when everything has been finalised.
“The discussion covers aspects of cooperation in various stages of vaccine development such as R&D (research and development), exchange of scientists, fill and finish development (transfer of technology, logistics, cold chain), including the purchase of vaccines (finished products) as a guarantee of access to vaccine supply for the country," he said during the questions for oral answers session in the Dewan Rakyat today.
He was responding to a question from Chan Foong Hin (Pakatan Harapan-Kota Kinabalu) who wanted to know whether the ministry had made any order to import vaccines from companies from China, such as Cansino, Sinovac and Sinopharm, or the UK, such as AstraZeneca, and whether the ministry would set the order of priority for Covid-19 vaccination as being done in Indonesia.
Khairy said through participation in COVAX, Malaysia would have access to the supply of Covid-19 vaccine of 10% of the country's population and the government was working to get another 60% to meet the national immunisation target for herd immunity to up to 70 per cent of the country's population.
The government, he said, was also working to get vaccine access as early as the first or second quarter of next year depending on the approval from the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA).
He said the NPRA will ensure that a vaccine passes the stipulated strict conditions, covering its safety and effectiveness through data on the clinical trial that was conducted.
Meanwhile, on the list of immunisation priorities, Khairy said the Special Committee on Covid-19 Vaccine Supply Access (JKJAV), set up on Oct 14 , had agreed to divide it into three groups, namely the frontliners, involving staff of the Ministry of Health (MoH) and agencies not under the MoH, such as the police, the Malaysian Armed Forces, Immigration Department and others, in the first group.
The second is for high-risk groups, such as individuals with co-morbid and seniors citizens, and the third involves other adult population.
Details of the groups are being made and the announcement is expected to be made during the first quarter of next year.

Covid-19 vaccine dampens sentiment on glove counters in morning trade
KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 16): Glove stocks were headed lower in Bursa Malaysia's morning trading session today due to the news flow of Covid-19 vaccine progress, which dampened sentiment on the counters.
As at the time of writing, glove stocks were among the top losers today. At 11.53am, Hartalega Holdings Bhd, being the second top loser, was down 4.29% or 66 sen at RM14.72, bringing its market capitalisation lower to RM50.54 billion. It saw some 2.78 million shares traded.
In the fourth place was Supermax Corp Bhd, which fell 5.24% or 46 sen to RM8.32, with a market value of RM22.72 billion.
More than seven months after the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the Covid-19 outbreak in China a “public health emergency of international concern”, the global economy continues to reel from the impact of the virus.
Meanwhile, Top Glove Corp Bhd, which bought back 8.94 million or 0.72% of its shares for RM69.9 million in the open market last Friday, dropped 3.98% or 31 sen to RM7.47, valuing the stock at RM61.47 billion. The counter was the seventh biggest loser as at the time of writing.
The smaller players were also not spared from the selling pressure. Kossan Rubber Industries Bhd lost 4.2% or 28 sen to RM6.38, Careplus Group Bhd fell 6.58% or 20 sen to RM2.84, and Comfort Gloves Bhd shed 4.71% or 19 sen to RM3.84.
The Healthcare Index was dragged down by the glove stocks, declining by 1.75% or 69.68 points to 3,921.47.
Last week, Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech announced that their experimental Covid-19 vaccine was more than 90% effective with no serious safety concerns based on initial trial results.
They also estimated that they can roll out up to 50 million doses this year for 25 million people and produce 1.3 billion doses in 2021.

Govt has communicated with 10 Covid-19 vaccine producers, says Khairy
KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 16): The government has communicated with 10 Covid-19 vaccine producers following a notification by the World Health Organization (WHO) that there are 11 Covid-19 vaccine candidates in phase 3 clinical trial (as of Nov 13).
Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said communications with eight of the producers was made directly, while the other two was through the Covid-19 Vaccine Global Access Facility (COVAX).
He said some of the discussions are in the final stage and an official announcement would be made when everything has been finalised.
“The discussion covers aspects of cooperation in various stages of vaccine development such as R&D (research and development), exchange of scientists, fill and finish development (transfer of technology, logistics, cold chain), including the purchase of vaccines (finished products) as a guarantee of access to vaccine supply for the country," he said during the questions for oral answers session in the Dewan Rakyat today.
He was responding to a question from Chan Foong Hin (Pakatan Harapan-Kota Kinabalu) who wanted to know whether the ministry had made any order to import vaccines from companies from China, such as Cansino, Sinovac and Sinopharm, or the UK, such as AstraZeneca, and whether the ministry would set the order of priority for Covid-19 vaccination as being done in Indonesia.
Khairy said through participation in COVAX, Malaysia would have access to the supply of Covid-19 vaccine of 10% of the country's population and the government was working to get another 60% to meet the national immunisation target for herd immunity to up to 70 per cent of the country's population.
The government, he said, was also working to get vaccine access as early as the first or second quarter of next year depending on the approval from the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA).
He said the NPRA will ensure that a vaccine passes the stipulated strict conditions, covering its safety and effectiveness through data on the clinical trial that was conducted.
Meanwhile, on the list of immunisation priorities, Khairy said the Special Committee on Covid-19 Vaccine Supply Access (JKJAV), set up on Oct 14 , had agreed to divide it into three groups, namely the frontliners, involving staff of the Ministry of Health (MoH) and agencies not under the MoH, such as the police, the Malaysian Armed Forces, Immigration Department and others, in the first group.
The second is for high-risk groups, such as individuals with co-morbid and seniors citizens, and the third involves other adult population.
Details of the groups are being made and the announcement is expected to be made during the first quarter of next year.

Covid-19 vaccine dampens sentiment on glove counters in morning trade
KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 16): Glove stocks were headed lower in Bursa Malaysia's morning trading session today due to the news flow of Covid-19 vaccine progress, which dampened sentiment on the counters.
As at the time of writing, glove stocks were among the top losers today. At 11.53am, Hartalega Holdings Bhd, being the second top loser, was down 4.29% or 66 sen at RM14.72, bringing its market capitalisation lower to RM50.54 billion. It saw some 2.78 million shares traded.
In the fourth place was Supermax Corp Bhd, which fell 5.24% or 46 sen to RM8.32, with a market value of RM22.72 billion.
More than seven months after the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the Covid-19 outbreak in China a “public health emergency of international concern”, the global economy continues to reel from the impact of the virus.
Meanwhile, Top Glove Corp Bhd, which bought back 8.94 million or 0.72% of its shares for RM69.9 million in the open market last Friday, dropped 3.98% or 31 sen to RM7.47, valuing the stock at RM61.47 billion. The counter was the seventh biggest loser as at the time of writing.
The smaller players were also not spared from the selling pressure. Kossan Rubber Industries Bhd lost 4.2% or 28 sen to RM6.38, Careplus Group Bhd fell 6.58% or 20 sen to RM2.84, and Comfort Gloves Bhd shed 4.71% or 19 sen to RM3.84.
The Healthcare Index was dragged down by the glove stocks, declining by 1.75% or 69.68 points to 3,921.47.
Last week, Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech announced that their experimental Covid-19 vaccine was more than 90% effective with no serious safety concerns based on initial trial results.
They also estimated that they can roll out up to 50 million doses this year for 25 million people and produce 1.3 billion doses in 2021.

Govt has communicated with 10 Covid-19 vaccine producers, says Khairy
KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 16): The government has communicated with 10 Covid-19 vaccine producers following a notification by the World Health Organization (WHO) that there are 11 Covid-19 vaccine candidates in phase 3 clinical trial (as of Nov 13).
Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said communications with eight of the producers was made directly, while the other two was through the Covid-19 Vaccine Global Access Facility (COVAX).
He said some of the discussions are in the final stage and an official announcement would be made when everything has been finalised.
“The discussion covers aspects of cooperation in various stages of vaccine development such as R&D (research and development), exchange of scientists, fill and finish development (transfer of technology, logistics, cold chain), including the purchase of vaccines (finished products) as a guarantee of access to vaccine supply for the country," he said during the questions for oral answers session in the Dewan Rakyat today.
He was responding to a question from Chan Foong Hin (Pakatan Harapan-Kota Kinabalu) who wanted to know whether the ministry had made any order to import vaccines from companies from China, such as Cansino, Sinovac and Sinopharm, or the UK, such as AstraZeneca, and whether the ministry would set the order of priority for Covid-19 vaccination as being done in Indonesia.
Khairy said through participation in COVAX, Malaysia would have access to the supply of Covid-19 vaccine of 10% of the country's population and the government was working to get another 60% to meet the national immunisation target for herd immunity to up to 70 per cent of the country's population.
The government, he said, was also working to get vaccine access as early as the first or second quarter of next year depending on the approval from the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA).
He said the NPRA will ensure that a vaccine passes the stipulated strict conditions, covering its safety and effectiveness through data on the clinical trial that was conducted.
Meanwhile, on the list of immunisation priorities, Khairy said the Special Committee on Covid-19 Vaccine Supply Access (JKJAV), set up on Oct 14 , had agreed to divide it into three groups, namely the frontliners, involving staff of the Ministry of Health (MoH) and agencies not under the MoH, such as the police, the Malaysian Armed Forces, Immigration Department and others, in the first group.
The second is for high-risk groups, such as individuals with co-morbid and seniors citizens, and the third involves other adult population.
Details of the groups are being made and the announcement is expected to be made during the first quarter of next year.

Covid-19 vaccine dampens sentiment on glove counters in morning trade
KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 16): Glove stocks were headed lower in Bursa Malaysia's morning trading session today due to the news flow of Covid-19 vaccine progress, which dampened sentiment on the counters.
As at the time of writing, glove stocks were among the top losers today. At 11.53am, Hartalega Holdings Bhd, being the second top loser, was down 4.29% or 66 sen at RM14.72, bringing its market capitalisation lower to RM50.54 billion. It saw some 2.78 million shares traded.
In the fourth place was Supermax Corp Bhd, which fell 5.24% or 46 sen to RM8.32, with a market value of RM22.72 billion.
More than seven months after the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the Covid-19 outbreak in China a “public health emergency of international concern”, the global economy continues to reel from the impact of the virus.
Meanwhile, Top Glove Corp Bhd, which bought back 8.94 million or 0.72% of its shares for RM69.9 million in the open market last Friday, dropped 3.98% or 31 sen to RM7.47, valuing the stock at RM61.47 billion. The counter was the seventh biggest loser as at the time of writing.
The smaller players were also not spared from the selling pressure. Kossan Rubber Industries Bhd lost 4.2% or 28 sen to RM6.38, Careplus Group Bhd fell 6.58% or 20 sen to RM2.84, and Comfort Gloves Bhd shed 4.71% or 19 sen to RM3.84.
The Healthcare Index was dragged down by the glove stocks, declining by 1.75% or 69.68 points to 3,921.47.
Last week, Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech announced that their experimental Covid-19 vaccine was more than 90% effective with no serious safety concerns based on initial trial results.
They also estimated that they can roll out up to 50 million doses this year for 25 million people and produce 1.3 billion doses in 2021.

Govt has communicated with 10 Covid-19 vaccine producers, says Khairy
KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 16): The government has communicated with 10 Covid-19 vaccine producers following a notification by the World Health Organization (WHO) that there are 11 Covid-19 vaccine candidates in phase 3 clinical trial (as of Nov 13).
Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said communications with eight of the producers was made directly, while the other two was through the Covid-19 Vaccine Global Access Facility (COVAX).
He said some of the discussions are in the final stage and an official announcement would be made when everything has been finalised.
“The discussion covers aspects of cooperation in various stages of vaccine development such as R&D (research and development), exchange of scientists, fill and finish development (transfer of technology, logistics, cold chain), including the purchase of vaccines (finished products) as a guarantee of access to vaccine supply for the country," he said during the questions for oral answers session in the Dewan Rakyat today.
He was responding to a question from Chan Foong Hin (Pakatan Harapan-Kota Kinabalu) who wanted to know whether the ministry had made any order to import vaccines from companies from China, such as Cansino, Sinovac and Sinopharm, or the UK, such as AstraZeneca, and whether the ministry would set the order of priority for Covid-19 vaccination as being done in Indonesia.
Khairy said through participation in COVAX, Malaysia would have access to the supply of Covid-19 vaccine of 10% of the country's population and the government was working to get another 60% to meet the national immunisation target for herd immunity to up to 70 per cent of the country's population.
The government, he said, was also working to get vaccine access as early as the first or second quarter of next year depending on the approval from the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA).
He said the NPRA will ensure that a vaccine passes the stipulated strict conditions, covering its safety and effectiveness through data on the clinical trial that was conducted.
Meanwhile, on the list of immunisation priorities, Khairy said the Special Committee on Covid-19 Vaccine Supply Access (JKJAV), set up on Oct 14 , had agreed to divide it into three groups, namely the frontliners, involving staff of the Ministry of Health (MoH) and agencies not under the MoH, such as the police, the Malaysian Armed Forces, Immigration Department and others, in the first group.
The second is for high-risk groups, such as individuals with co-morbid and seniors citizens, and the third involves other adult population.
Details of the groups are being made and the announcement is expected to be made during the first quarter of next year.

Covid-19 vaccine dampens sentiment on glove counters in morning trade
KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 16): Glove stocks were headed lower in Bursa Malaysia's morning trading session today due to the news flow of Covid-19 vaccine progress, which dampened sentiment on the counters.
As at the time of writing, glove stocks were among the top losers today. At 11.53am, Hartalega Holdings Bhd, being the second top loser, was down 4.29% or 66 sen at RM14.72, bringing its market capitalisation lower to RM50.54 billion. It saw some 2.78 million shares traded.
In the fourth place was Supermax Corp Bhd, which fell 5.24% or 46 sen to RM8.32, with a market value of RM22.72 billion.
More than seven months after the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the Covid-19 outbreak in China a “public health emergency of international concern”, the global economy continues to reel from the impact of the virus.
Meanwhile, Top Glove Corp Bhd, which bought back 8.94 million or 0.72% of its shares for RM69.9 million in the open market last Friday, dropped 3.98% or 31 sen to RM7.47, valuing the stock at RM61.47 billion. The counter was the seventh biggest loser as at the time of writing.
The smaller players were also not spared from the selling pressure. Kossan Rubber Industries Bhd lost 4.2% or 28 sen to RM6.38, Careplus Group Bhd fell 6.58% or 20 sen to RM2.84, and Comfort Gloves Bhd shed 4.71% or 19 sen to RM3.84.
The Healthcare Index was dragged down by the glove stocks, declining by 1.75% or 69.68 points to 3,921.47.
Last week, Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech announced that their experimental Covid-19 vaccine was more than 90% effective with no serious safety concerns based on initial trial results.
They also estimated that they can roll out up to 50 million doses this year for 25 million people and produce 1.3 billion doses in 2021.

Govt has communicated with 10 Covid-19 vaccine producers, says Khairy
KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 16): The government has communicated with 10 Covid-19 vaccine producers following a notification by the World Health Organization (WHO) that there are 11 Covid-19 vaccine candidates in phase 3 clinical trial (as of Nov 13).
Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said communications with eight of the producers was made directly, while the other two was through the Covid-19 Vaccine Global Access Facility (COVAX).
He said some of the discussions are in the final stage and an official announcement would be made when everything has been finalised.
“The discussion covers aspects of cooperation in various stages of vaccine development such as R&D (research and development), exchange of scientists, fill and finish development (transfer of technology, logistics, cold chain), including the purchase of vaccines (finished products) as a guarantee of access to vaccine supply for the country," he said during the questions for oral answers session in the Dewan Rakyat today.
He was responding to a question from Chan Foong Hin (Pakatan Harapan-Kota Kinabalu) who wanted to know whether the ministry had made any order to import vaccines from companies from China, such as Cansino, Sinovac and Sinopharm, or the UK, such as AstraZeneca, and whether the ministry would set the order of priority for Covid-19 vaccination as being done in Indonesia.
Khairy said through participation in COVAX, Malaysia would have access to the supply of Covid-19 vaccine of 10% of the country's population and the government was working to get another 60% to meet the national immunisation target for herd immunity to up to 70 per cent of the country's population.
The government, he said, was also working to get vaccine access as early as the first or second quarter of next year depending on the approval from the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA).
He said the NPRA will ensure that a vaccine passes the stipulated strict conditions, covering its safety and effectiveness through data on the clinical trial that was conducted.
Meanwhile, on the list of immunisation priorities, Khairy said the Special Committee on Covid-19 Vaccine Supply Access (JKJAV), set up on Oct 14 , had agreed to divide it into three groups, namely the frontliners, involving staff of the Ministry of Health (MoH) and agencies not under the MoH, such as the police, the Malaysian Armed Forces, Immigration Department and others, in the first group.
The second is for high-risk groups, such as individuals with co-morbid and seniors citizens, and the third involves other adult population.
Details of the groups are being made and the announcement is expected to be made during the first quarter of next year.

Covid-19 vaccine dampens sentiment on glove counters in morning trade
KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 16): Glove stocks were headed lower in Bursa Malaysia's morning trading session today due to the news flow of Covid-19 vaccine progress, which dampened sentiment on the counters.
As at the time of writing, glove stocks were among the top losers today. At 11.53am, Hartalega Holdings Bhd, being the second top loser, was down 4.29% or 66 sen at RM14.72, bringing its market capitalisation lower to RM50.54 billion. It saw some 2.78 million shares traded.
In the fourth place was Supermax Corp Bhd, which fell 5.24% or 46 sen to RM8.32, with a market value of RM22.72 billion.
More than seven months after the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the Covid-19 outbreak in China a “public health emergency of international concern”, the global economy continues to reel from the impact of the virus.
Meanwhile, Top Glove Corp Bhd, which bought back 8.94 million or 0.72% of its shares for RM69.9 million in the open market last Friday, dropped 3.98% or 31 sen to RM7.47, valuing the stock at RM61.47 billion. The counter was the seventh biggest loser as at the time of writing.
The smaller players were also not spared from the selling pressure. Kossan Rubber Industries Bhd lost 4.2% or 28 sen to RM6.38, Careplus Group Bhd fell 6.58% or 20 sen to RM2.84, and Comfort Gloves Bhd shed 4.71% or 19 sen to RM3.84.
The Healthcare Index was dragged down by the glove stocks, declining by 1.75% or 69.68 points to 3,921.47.
Last week, Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech announced that their experimental Covid-19 vaccine was more than 90% effective with no serious safety concerns based on initial trial results.
They also estimated that they can roll out up to 50 million doses this year for 25 million people and produce 1.3 billion doses in 2021.

Govt has communicated with 10 Covid-19 vaccine producers, says Khairy
KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 16): The government has communicated with 10 Covid-19 vaccine producers following a notification by the World Health Organization (WHO) that there are 11 Covid-19 vaccine candidates in phase 3 clinical trial (as of Nov 13).
Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said communications with eight of the producers was made directly, while the other two was through the Covid-19 Vaccine Global Access Facility (COVAX).
He said some of the discussions are in the final stage and an official announcement would be made when everything has been finalised.
“The discussion covers aspects of cooperation in various stages of vaccine development such as R&D (research and development), exchange of scientists, fill and finish development (transfer of technology, logistics, cold chain), including the purchase of vaccines (finished products) as a guarantee of access to vaccine supply for the country," he said during the questions for oral answers session in the Dewan Rakyat today.
He was responding to a question from Chan Foong Hin (Pakatan Harapan-Kota Kinabalu) who wanted to know whether the ministry had made any order to import vaccines from companies from China, such as Cansino, Sinovac and Sinopharm, or the UK, such as AstraZeneca, and whether the ministry would set the order of priority for Covid-19 vaccination as being done in Indonesia.
Khairy said through participation in COVAX, Malaysia would have access to the supply of Covid-19 vaccine of 10% of the country's population and the government was working to get another 60% to meet the national immunisation target for herd immunity to up to 70 per cent of the country's population.
The government, he said, was also working to get vaccine access as early as the first or second quarter of next year depending on the approval from the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA).
He said the NPRA will ensure that a vaccine passes the stipulated strict conditions, covering its safety and effectiveness through data on the clinical trial that was conducted.
Meanwhile, on the list of immunisation priorities, Khairy said the Special Committee on Covid-19 Vaccine Supply Access (JKJAV), set up on Oct 14 , had agreed to divide it into three groups, namely the frontliners, involving staff of the Ministry of Health (MoH) and agencies not under the MoH, such as the police, the Malaysian Armed Forces, Immigration Department and others, in the first group.
The second is for high-risk groups, such as individuals with co-morbid and seniors citizens, and the third involves other adult population.
Details of the groups are being made and the announcement is expected to be made during the first quarter of next year.

Covid-19 vaccine dampens sentiment on glove counters in morning trade
KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 16): Glove stocks were headed lower in Bursa Malaysia's morning trading session today due to the news flow of Covid-19 vaccine progress, which dampened sentiment on the counters.
As at the time of writing, glove stocks were among the top losers today. At 11.53am, Hartalega Holdings Bhd, being the second top loser, was down 4.29% or 66 sen at RM14.72, bringing its market capitalisation lower to RM50.54 billion. It saw some 2.78 million shares traded.
In the fourth place was Supermax Corp Bhd, which fell 5.24% or 46 sen to RM8.32, with a market value of RM22.72 billion.
More than seven months after the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the Covid-19 outbreak in China a “public health emergency of international concern”, the global economy continues to reel from the impact of the virus.
Meanwhile, Top Glove Corp Bhd, which bought back 8.94 million or 0.72% of its shares for RM69.9 million in the open market last Friday, dropped 3.98% or 31 sen to RM7.47, valuing the stock at RM61.47 billion. The counter was the seventh biggest loser as at the time of writing.
The smaller players were also not spared from the selling pressure. Kossan Rubber Industries Bhd lost 4.2% or 28 sen to RM6.38, Careplus Group Bhd fell 6.58% or 20 sen to RM2.84, and Comfort Gloves Bhd shed 4.71% or 19 sen to RM3.84.
The Healthcare Index was dragged down by the glove stocks, declining by 1.75% or 69.68 points to 3,921.47.
Last week, Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech announced that their experimental Covid-19 vaccine was more than 90% effective with no serious safety concerns based on initial trial results.
They also estimated that they can roll out up to 50 million doses this year for 25 million people and produce 1.3 billion doses in 2021.

Govt has communicated with 10 Covid-19 vaccine producers, says Khairy
KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 16): The government has communicated with 10 Covid-19 vaccine producers following a notification by the World Health Organization (WHO) that there are 11 Covid-19 vaccine candidates in phase 3 clinical trial (as of Nov 13).
Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said communications with eight of the producers was made directly, while the other two was through the Covid-19 Vaccine Global Access Facility (COVAX).
He said some of the discussions are in the final stage and an official announcement would be made when everything has been finalised.
“The discussion covers aspects of cooperation in various stages of vaccine development such as R&D (research and development), exchange of scientists, fill and finish development (transfer of technology, logistics, cold chain), including the purchase of vaccines (finished products) as a guarantee of access to vaccine supply for the country," he said during the questions for oral answers session in the Dewan Rakyat today.
He was responding to a question from Chan Foong Hin (Pakatan Harapan-Kota Kinabalu) who wanted to know whether the ministry had made any order to import vaccines from companies from China, such as Cansino, Sinovac and Sinopharm, or the UK, such as AstraZeneca, and whether the ministry would set the order of priority for Covid-19 vaccination as being done in Indonesia.
Khairy said through participation in COVAX, Malaysia would have access to the supply of Covid-19 vaccine of 10% of the country's population and the government was working to get another 60% to meet the national immunisation target for herd immunity to up to 70 per cent of the country's population.
The government, he said, was also working to get vaccine access as early as the first or second quarter of next year depending on the approval from the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA).
He said the NPRA will ensure that a vaccine passes the stipulated strict conditions, covering its safety and effectiveness through data on the clinical trial that was conducted.
Meanwhile, on the list of immunisation priorities, Khairy said the Special Committee on Covid-19 Vaccine Supply Access (JKJAV), set up on Oct 14 , had agreed to divide it into three groups, namely the frontliners, involving staff of the Ministry of Health (MoH) and agencies not under the MoH, such as the police, the Malaysian Armed Forces, Immigration Department and others, in the first group.
The second is for high-risk groups, such as individuals with co-morbid and seniors citizens, and the third involves other adult population.
Details of the groups are being made and the announcement is expected to be made during the first quarter of next year.

Covid-19 vaccine dampens sentiment on glove counters in morning trade
KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 16): Glove stocks were headed lower in Bursa Malaysia's morning trading session today due to the news flow of Covid-19 vaccine progress, which dampened sentiment on the counters.
As at the time of writing, glove stocks were among the top losers today. At 11.53am, Hartalega Holdings Bhd, being the second top loser, was down 4.29% or 66 sen at RM14.72, bringing its market capitalisation lower to RM50.54 billion. It saw some 2.78 million shares traded.
In the fourth place was Supermax Corp Bhd, which fell 5.24% or 46 sen to RM8.32, with a market value of RM22.72 billion.
More than seven months after the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the Covid-19 outbreak in China a “public health emergency of international concern”, the global economy continues to reel from the impact of the virus.
Meanwhile, Top Glove Corp Bhd, which bought back 8.94 million or 0.72% of its shares for RM69.9 million in the open market last Friday, dropped 3.98% or 31 sen to RM7.47, valuing the stock at RM61.47 billion. The counter was the seventh biggest loser as at the time of writing.
The smaller players were also not spared from the selling pressure. Kossan Rubber Industries Bhd lost 4.2% or 28 sen to RM6.38, Careplus Group Bhd fell 6.58% or 20 sen to RM2.84, and Comfort Gloves Bhd shed 4.71% or 19 sen to RM3.84.
The Healthcare Index was dragged down by the glove stocks, declining by 1.75% or 69.68 points to 3,921.47.
Last week, Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech announced that their experimental Covid-19 vaccine was more than 90% effective with no serious safety concerns based on initial trial results.
They also estimated that they can roll out up to 50 million doses this year for 25 million people and produce 1.3 billion doses in 2021.

Govt has communicated with 10 Covid-19 vaccine producers, says Khairy
KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 16): The government has communicated with 10 Covid-19 vaccine producers following a notification by the World Health Organization (WHO) that there are 11 Covid-19 vaccine candidates in phase 3 clinical trial (as of Nov 13).
Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said communications with eight of the producers was made directly, while the other two was through the Covid-19 Vaccine Global Access Facility (COVAX).
He said some of the discussions are in the final stage and an official announcement would be made when everything has been finalised.
“The discussion covers aspects of cooperation in various stages of vaccine development such as R&D (research and development), exchange of scientists, fill and finish development (transfer of technology, logistics, cold chain), including the purchase of vaccines (finished products) as a guarantee of access to vaccine supply for the country," he said during the questions for oral answers session in the Dewan Rakyat today.
He was responding to a question from Chan Foong Hin (Pakatan Harapan-Kota Kinabalu) who wanted to know whether the ministry had made any order to import vaccines from companies from China, such as Cansino, Sinovac and Sinopharm, or the UK, such as AstraZeneca, and whether the ministry would set the order of priority for Covid-19 vaccination as being done in Indonesia.
Khairy said through participation in COVAX, Malaysia would have access to the supply of Covid-19 vaccine of 10% of the country's population and the government was working to get another 60% to meet the national immunisation target for herd immunity to up to 70 per cent of the country's population.
The government, he said, was also working to get vaccine access as early as the first or second quarter of next year depending on the approval from the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA).
He said the NPRA will ensure that a vaccine passes the stipulated strict conditions, covering its safety and effectiveness through data on the clinical trial that was conducted.
Meanwhile, on the list of immunisation priorities, Khairy said the Special Committee on Covid-19 Vaccine Supply Access (JKJAV), set up on Oct 14 , had agreed to divide it into three groups, namely the frontliners, involving staff of the Ministry of Health (MoH) and agencies not under the MoH, such as the police, the Malaysian Armed Forces, Immigration Department and others, in the first group.
The second is for high-risk groups, such as individuals with co-morbid and seniors citizens, and the third involves other adult population.
Details of the groups are being made and the announcement is expected to be made during the first quarter of next year.

Govt has communicated with 10 Covid-19 vaccine producers, says Khairy
KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 16): The government has communicated with 10 Covid-19 vaccine producers following a notification by the World Health Organization (WHO) that there are 11 Covid-19 vaccine candidates in phase 3 clinical trial (as of Nov 13).
Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said communications with eight of the producers was made directly, while the other two was through the Covid-19 Vaccine Global Access Facility (COVAX).
He said some of the discussions are in the final stage and an official announcement would be made when everything has been finalised.
“The discussion covers aspects of cooperation in various stages of vaccine development such as R&D (research and development), exchange of scientists, fill and finish development (transfer of technology, logistics, cold chain), including the purchase of vaccines (finished products) as a guarantee of access to vaccine supply for the country," he said during the questions for oral answers session in the Dewan Rakyat today.
He was responding to a question from Chan Foong Hin (Pakatan Harapan-Kota Kinabalu) who wanted to know whether the ministry had made any order to import vaccines from companies from China, such as Cansino, Sinovac and Sinopharm, or the UK, such as AstraZeneca, and whether the ministry would set the order of priority for Covid-19 vaccination as being done in Indonesia.
Khairy said through participation in COVAX, Malaysia would have access to the supply of Covid-19 vaccine of 10% of the country's population and the government was working to get another 60% to meet the national immunisation target for herd immunity to up to 70 per cent of the country's population.
The government, he said, was also working to get vaccine access as early as the first or second quarter of next year depending on the approval from the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA).
He said the NPRA will ensure that a vaccine passes the stipulated strict conditions, covering its safety and effectiveness through data on the clinical trial that was conducted.
Meanwhile, on the list of immunisation priorities, Khairy said the Special Committee on Covid-19 Vaccine Supply Access (JKJAV), set up on Oct 14 , had agreed to divide it into three groups, namely the frontliners, involving staff of the Ministry of Health (MoH) and agencies not under the MoH, such as the police, the Malaysian Armed Forces, Immigration Department and others, in the first group.
The second is for high-risk groups, such as individuals with co-morbid and seniors citizens, and the third involves other adult population.
Details of the groups are being made and the announcement is expected to be made during the first quarter of next year.