SHAH ALAM, Dec 11 — The public should stay watchful despite being fully vaccinated against Covid-19 and get the booster doses, says the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah Alhaj.
In an interview with The Star today, the Selangor Ruler had also advised people to avoid “non-essential” large-group events, stating that people had to adapt to the new customs.
“I am worried because there are news reports of people who have doubts about taking the booster jabs.
“There is too much misinformation and fake news on social media. People are influenced easily.
“Then there are those who think that all is good and fine because they have been fully vaccinated,” His Royal Highness was quoted by the English daily a report in conjunction with his 76th birthday.
The Selangor Sultan said he gets weekly updates on the pandemic from the state's health department and stated that since the outbreak began in March of last year, more than 9,800 people have died in the state alone, with the majority of them being Malays.
He said that at first, more than 880 religious (Kafa) teachers, mosque officials, and committee members, as well as jurunikah (marriage officials) did not want to get vaccinated.
“So I told them, ‘Alright, we will do it at a mosque on a Sunday, and we will provide food and parking.’ But only 200 people turned up and out of the total, 100 people refused (to be vaccinated). I was disappointed, to be honest,” he said, adding that if they did not get vaccinated, they wouldn't be able to do their jobs.
The Selangor Ruler said as most of them were interacting directly with the public, which put everyone at risk, His Royal Highness gave them about three months to think about it.
“Now, the situation has improved drastically, only a few are stubborn. Although the vaccine may not offer 100 per cent protection, it helps reduce the severity of the illness,” said Sultan Sharafuddin.
