Last week, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dzulkefly Ahmad said the government is pushing for mandatory vaccination in public schools after a diphtheria outbreak in Johor caused public uproar. — Reuters pic
The medical doctor, who is for mandatory vaccinations, threw his support behind imposing criminal penalties against those who reject vaccinations. “Therefore, I urge the government to amend the current laws to introduce mandatory vaccination laws, especially for MMR and diphtheria and criminal liabilities towards parents who refuse to vaccinate their children, especially if it causes death and harms other children,” Dr Yii said.“Maybe we can view another model, like in Singapore, whereby parents are fined if they don’t vaccinate their children.
PAS Kuala Terengganu MP Ahmad Amzad Hashim also supported Dr Yii’s argument, lamenting that anti-vaccination is prevalent among the Muslim community.