At a press conference, Khairy said discussions had to be held with the education ministry first as there were legal implications.

“So, I will discuss with the education minister (Radzi Jidin) later whether it can be made compulsory,” he told reporters.

“I think the travel sector is also looking at it, but that’s for them to implement at the sectoral and company level. For instance, if an airline insists that you show proof of vaccination, then that’s up to them.”

Johor Crown Prince Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim recently met with 779 teachers in the state who had opted against the vaccine. About half of them were later found to have delayed their vaccine appointments due to pregnancies, allergies and other health conditions.

However, he said 396 of them had rejected the vaccine due to “doubts” they had.

Meanwhile, Khairy dismissed criticisms over the appointment of former deputy health minister Rosnah Abdul Rashid Shirlin as his special adviser, saying she was just another officer under him.

“She’s not a deputy minister but just an officer. She’s in my office. She’s not at that level (deputy minister). She’s working with me,” he said.

Rosnah, a lawyer by training, came under fire from netizens after news spread of her appointment, with some describing it as a waste of taxpayers’ money while others questioned whether she could help resolve issues related to health and the pandemic.

Brushing aside these brickbats, Rosnah said: “I understand (these criticisms). But I’ve been through that a lot and for me the most important thing is to just serve the people. I don’t have any ulterior motives.

“I know I won’t be in for an easy ride and I won’t be able to please everybody, but I will try my best,” the Umno Supreme Council member told FMT earlier today.