“We have no intention of making life difficult for the unvaccinated.

“The difficulty stems from your own attitude or refusal to accept the Covid-19 vaccine,” he said at a press conference after a ceremony at the district police headquarters here today.

He said the Covid-19 vaccination, although not made compulsory yet, helps to make life easier for those who have received the vaccine, like allowing them to travel.

“Those who do not take the vaccine are making life difficult for themselves. It is not the government that is deliberately making it tough. That is why I urge those who have not yet received the vaccine to do so to enjoy the benefits.

“Furthermore, as human beings we have a responsibility to help protect others by lowering the risk of infection and reducing the severity of the effects of the disease by taking the  vaccine,” he added.

Yesterday, health minister Khairy Jamaluddin was reported to have said that the government would take a stern approach against those who refused to take the vaccine, by continuing to “make life difficult” for them.

According to Ismail, Khairy was referring to the problems those unvaccinated will continue to face, as the need for full vaccination as a condition for participation in various activities is not only imposed by Malaysia but also by other countries.

“Like in the case of those allowed to perform umrah, and next year to perform the haj pilgrimage. The mandatory vaccination is a condition set by the Saudi Arabia government, which of course makes it difficult for those who are not vaccinated,” he said.

When asked whether the government will make vaccination mandatory in the recruitment of new civil servants, Ismail said it was a good suggestion, but the matter required to be looked into thoroughly by the Public Service Department (JPA).

“It may be considered, but the PSD has to look into various aspects, including the legal aspects. So far, action can only be taken against those who are already in the service as the deadline for civil servants to take the vaccine is Nov 1,” he added.

At present those who are not fully vaccinated are not allowed to enter any premises or cross state boundaries.

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