Govt stands firm on restrictions for anti-vaxxers

Defence Minister Hishammuddin Hussein today said the government would not budge from the restrictions put in place for those who refuse to be vaccinated, adding that the measures are to protect the lives of many.

Speaking at a press conference, he said he agreed with the recent statements on the matter by Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin and Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

“The government is not being cruel towards anyone,” he said. “However the efforts to battle Covid-19 are key to preventing greater harm.

“For those in the anti-vaccine group, it is up to them. But they should not think that their right to refuse the jabs means that the flexibility given to those who are vaccinated will also apply to them.

“We will not compromise on that.”

Khairy previously said that the government would pursue a vigorous approach towards those who refuse to be vaccinated, whom he warned would find life difficult as more and more sectors are reopened to those who have been fully inoculated.

“Sorry to say, if you are not vaccinated because you choose not to be vaccinated, then we will make life very difficult for you and continue to make life difficult for you,” he said.

However, he said those who cannot be vaccinated due to health reasons will be fine as they will be provided with digital exemption on MySejahtera.

Ismail meanwhile said those who do not take the vaccines “are making life difficult for themselves”.

“That is why I urge those who have not yet received the vaccine to do so, so that they can also get to enjoy the facilities,” he said.

Health restrictions have been gradually eased for the fully vaccinated, with interstate travel allowed since Oct 11 for those who have completed their inoculations.

Other activities in the social and economic sectors have also been allowed for the fully vaccinated, including tourism and dining in.