HEALTH Minister Dr Adham Baba recently announced that individuals who have completed their vaccine dosages will be given the MYCovid-19 vaccination badge as proof that they have received the vaccine.
This is in addition to the digital certificate that can be downloaded from the MySejahtera app.
According to the minister, the badge will also contain the vaccinated individual’s name and MyKad number. And the good news? The badge cannot be forged as there are security codes on it.
However, beyond telling people what it is, the Government needs to provide more details, namely what does the vaccination badge does, and what are the benefits the holders would have as compared with those who have not been vaccinated.
In terms of its functionality, here are two probabilities:
First, the MYCovid-19 vaccination badge will simply be a keepsake of sorts that you slip into your wallet, to be pulled out only when you need a reminder every now and then that you have received the COVID-19 jabs.
Second, the MYCovid-19 vaccination badge’s function will be akin to a blood donation book’s, and will entitle the holder to an array of incentives and privileges including free Hepatitis B vaccination, free outpatient and medical treatments at government hospitals, and first-class ward entitlements.
By the looks of it, the second probability is more likely, although we wouldn’t know for sure until the Government steps up to clarify.
In addition to providing more details about the vaccination badges, the Government must also address the possible risk of discrimination that might arise from it. In particular, would the system lead to employers and others discriminating against people who lack these vaccination badges?
The badges are meant to be proof that an individual has received the vaccine. This is a laudable effort, but the badges could also easily become de facto entry documents required for people to attend school, get a job or dine at a restaurant.
Employers might mandate that workers show vaccination badges to be allowed to work, and the relevant authorities might demand that you show your badge before being allowed to access public and private spaces such as banks, government offices, and public transport.
The bottom line is, if not handled properly, the MYCovid-19 vaccination badges can become powerful weapons of exclusion and discrimination, and so, the Government best lay out a well thought-out plan to avoid any sort of conflict in the future. – March 20, 2021
Photo credit: Free Malaysia Today
