KUALA LUMPUR – RM20 million is needed to develop the first phase of Covid-19 vaccine in 2022.
Minister of Science, Technlogy and Innovation (MOSTI), Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba said that the development of the vaccine requires collaboration from foreign experts besides procuring new technology in carrying out researches.
“We are requesting for a preliminary allocation of RM20million in 2022 for the first phase development of vaccine. For the early stage, we will be developing the vaccine with new technology platform,” he answered the additional question from the Member of Parliament (MP) of Kepong, Lim Lip Eng during the Dewan Rakyat sitting today.
Earlier, Lip Eng questioned the need to develop Covid-19 vaccine when the country can get the supply from other countries.
Elaborating further, he said that the development of the vaccine is needed to ensure that the country is ready to face future outbreaks.
“Yes, we have received the supplies from the United States and we have received their contribution through the Covid-19 diplomacy. We need to start the development industry.
“We need a framework for the vaccine in the country, perhaps not just for Covid-19 but for other outbreaks. We need to have our own experts,” he added.
Recently, the Director of Institute of Medical Research (IMR), Dr Tahir Aris said that the IMR is working with Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) to develop Covid-19 vaccine.
He said, the vaccine is also being developed as a booster shot that is effective on the latest variants.
The vaccine is projected to be completed by 2024. -MalaysiaGazette
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