Curtin Malaysia supports State’s vaccination drive, provides facilities for vaccination centre

Miri – 21 June 2021 – Hundreds of people with appointments to get vaccinated against COVID-19 have been heading to the Curtin University Malaysia (Curtin Malaysia) campus here over the last two days after the large events hall at its multipurpose Recreation and Event Centre was turned into Miri’s newest vaccination centre or Pusat Pemberian Vaksin (PPV).

The Curtin Malaysia Vaccination Centre replaces the one at Dewan Dato Permaisuri in Permyjaya which was deemed by the Miri Division Disaster Management Committee (MDDMC) to be lacking in space for waiting areas and parking. With a floor space of over 1,500 sq.m., including a spacious foyer, the Curtin Malaysia venue is more than adequate to accommodate the intended 1,500 to 2,000 vaccinees a day.

Following meticulous surveys of the venue and discussions between the Miri Division Resident’s Office, Miri Divisional Health Office, Miri Hospital, other agencies and departments under the MDDMC and Curtin Malaysia to ensure compliance with guidelines set by the Ministry of Health and COVID-19 Immunisation Taskforce (CITF) Sarawak, the vaccination centre began operations on 20 June 2021. It is open from 8.00 am to 8.00 pm Monday to Sunday.

Curtin Malaysia’s Pro Vice-Chancellor, President and Chief Executive, Professor Simon Leunig, said Curtin University is committed to engagement and changing lives in the communities in which it operates and did not hesitate to make its facilities available for the vaccination centre when approached by the MDDMC.

“Curtin is happy to be an active and strong member of the Miri community and the vaccination centre is a way we can support the health officials at this tough time,” he said.

Professor Leunig added that the university management had been briefed by the MDDMC that it was the wish of the Chief Minister of Sarawak that the state’s immunisation programme be completed by the end of August and was fully supportive of the programme that aims to administer 50,000 or more doses a day in order to achieve the targeted completion.

He said the university’s support went beyond simply providing the facilities but also staff and student volunteers to assist in the running of the vaccination centre. Essential staff of the university are also providing on-site security and technical support.

At the same time, the university is actively encouraging all its staff and students to register for vaccination, as well as ensuring that all its essential staff who continue to work on campus during the Movement Control Order (MCO) are vaccinated.

“We have the responsibility to ensure that members of our campus community, as well as those in the wider community, are safe and protected from COVID-19,” said Professor Leunig.

The large events hall set up as a vaccination centre.

People waiting their turn to be registered at the centre.

People at the registration counters.

View of the observation area.