In a recent statement, Dr. Dzulkefly Ahmad, the Health Minister of Malaysia, clarified that his remarks regarding the third booster dose were aimed at encouraging, not mandating, the vaccination for vulnerable groups, particularly the elderly.

Emphasising that it is not a compulsory directive for all, Dr. Dzulkefly stressed the importance of incentivising the third dose as a protective measure, especially for the elderly population.

While underlining the voluntary nature of the booster dose, Dr. Dzulkefly continued to urge the public to use face masks, emphasising the significance of preventive measures in mitigating the spread of the virus.

This statement comes as Malaysia continues efforts to enhance vaccination coverage and address the evolving landscape of COVID-19.