This is after the Covid-19 inoculation exercise in his parliamentary constituency was disrupted due to a shortage of vaccines.
Ongkili, who is also Sabah and Sarawak affairs minister, said appointments had to be postponed at the last minute, adding some people were only told there was no vaccine available on reaching the vaccination centres.
“Such a situation should not happen especially to those who have to come from far-flung areas,” he said in a statement here today.
“We are worried that it would discourage people from coming for the next appointment.”
Speaking after flagging off the Covid-19 vaccination outreach programme to the hinterlands of Magandai, in Kota Marudu, today, Ongkili hoped the issue would be overcome soon.
“I believe this situation is not restricted to Kota Marudu alone but other districts as well, including in Sarawak.
“I have conveyed the problem to science, technology and innovation minister Khairy Jamaluddin and health minister Dr Adham Baba in the hope that the constraints can be overcome soonest.
“Therefore, I hope the relevant authorities will ensure there is enough vaccine supply for Sabah and Sarawak,” the Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) president said.
Ongkili, however, said the government had done its best and was committed to ensuring every Malaysian is given their Covid-19 vaccine shots through the National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme.
“We believe inoculation can be beefed up through the outreach programmes, and ensure that far-flung folk are not neglected.”
To date, only 27,589 (55%) of the 50,000 population in Kota Marudu have registered for the vaccination programme.
Of the figure, Ongkili said, a total of 7,899 have at least received their first dose, while 5,408 have completed both shots in Kota Marudu.
As for Matunggong, 1,060 people have received their first dose and 1,052 have completed both shots.
“Despite the insufficient supply, I am happy that many turned up for the vaccination programme. It is encouraging despite the response having been rather slow initially,” he said.