Malaysia’s seafarers will be given priority to receive the vaccination in the first phase of the National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme, reports MalayMail.
Continue to support after the vaccine
The Association of Malaysia’s Maritime Professionals (IKMAL) said seafarers who have been vaccinated would be able to return to serve onboard ships and continue to support the critical maritime transport supply chain.
Benefits from the move
IKMAL said the move could also reduce the travel restrictions imposed on seafarers, who were among the high-risk groups, thus avoiding them from being stranded onboard ships after their contracts have been completed.
Importance of seafarers getting vaccinated
The statement added that the maritime transportation sector played a critical economic role and provided vital logistics support during the Covid-19 pandemic, and almost 90 percent of the global trade was transported by sea.
“Within this incessant maritime logistics movement, there are 1.6 million seafarers globally who ensure the ships are in continuous operation, transporting a myriad of goods, including fuel, foodstuff and medical items,” it said.
IKMAL said Malaysia’s seafarers were also involved in the ecosystem and it was estimated that 40,000 of them have continued their services despite facing various difficulties.
“Based on the International Maritime Organisation’s (IMO) data, there are about 400,000 seafarers who are trapped on board their vessels globally and were unable to return to their home countries upon completion of their service contracts due to travel restrictions,” it said.
Support from ICS
According to IKMAL, the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) has also urged that seafarers be given the priority to receive the Covid-19 vaccination as soon as possible, adding that Singapore has announced to prioritize the maritime workers for vaccination.
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Source: MalayMail
