Ministry of science , innovation and technology (MOSTI), Khairy Jamaluddin said that KKM will identify whether the vaccine is effective and safe to use. it is one of the government initiative to help in creating covid-19 vaccine with building up a science diplomatic and strategic corporation with country that have the ability to create the vaccine.
Following that, he is scheduled to hold a video conference with his Chinese counterpart on the matter, including the possibility of Malaysia receiving access to the COVID-19 vaccine, tomorrow afternoon.
A cooperation team between MOSTI, MOH and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was established to explore opportunities between Malaysia and other countries to collaborate on strategic research and development of vaccines and drugs COVID-19, last April.
"This is to enable Malaysia to gain access to the COVID-19 vaccine when it is produced, as the country currently does not have vaccine manufacturing facilities for humans.
"Malaysia is also trying to discuss with China about the development of vaccines by companies and institutions from the republic. Chinakini has several companies and institutions that have reached the next level," he said.
He was answering a question from Datuk Mohd Nizar Zakaria (BN-Parit) on the role of MOSTI in assisting in the development of the COVID-19 vaccine at the international level as Malaysia does not have its manufacturing facilities, at the Dewan Rakyat session today.
Khairy said MOSTI had taken the initiative through its involvement in the Disaster Preparedness Innovation Association (CEPI) to enable Malaysia to access vaccine development, technology transfer and new expertise to local researchers.
"CEPI is also committed to the fair distribution of vaccines openly and moderately for the whole world," he said.