Senior minister for security Ismail Sabri Yaakob said this involved three million doses requested by state governments and four million doses for the private sector and GLCs.

“The vaccine will be supplied immediately after obtaining approval from the health ministry,” he said at a press conference today after visiting the factory of Pharmaniaga LifeScience Sdn Bhd.

Speaking at the same press conference, health minister Dr Adham Baba gave an assurance that the quantity for sale would be increased when supply picks up.

Adham noted that the PICK and vaccination programmes by other parties, such as state governments and industry players, would run concurrently.

Adham said Pharmaniaga LifeScience had supplied two million Sinovac doses in May.

“Pharmaniaga will supply another five million doses for June and July. There will be a total of 12 million doses of fill-and-finish Sinovac vaccine provided by Pharmaniaga LifeScience Sdn Bhd.”

He said the filling and rebottling of the Sinovac vaccine locally could save government funds and speed up supply within the country.