AS the first batch of COVID-19 vaccines arrived in Malaysia, DHL Express detailed some of the challenges it faced in bringing the vaccines to Malaysia.
“One of the key challenges faced in the shipment of the vaccines is the stringent temperature requirements. The vaccine was delivered in specially designed thermal shipper packaging, customised by the manufacturer.
“Each shipment was packed with dry ice to regulate the temperature, enabling its use in locations that lack the physical infrastructure to maintain the required temperature.
“Temperature trackers equipped with sophisticated GPS technology are also packed within each thermal shipper box to provide full visibility throughout the shipment’s entire journey,” said DHL Express Malaysia and Brunei managing director Julian Neo, in a statement.
This morning, the first batch of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccines arrived in Malaysia, on board Malaysia Airlines MH604, operated by MAB Kargo Sdn Bhd (MABKargo).
The arrival of the flight, carrying 312,390 doses of the vaccines was welcomed by Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba, Coordinating Minister for the National COVID-19 Immunisation Programme Khairy Jamaluddin, Transport Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong and Health director general Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah.
DHL Express worked with MABKargo to fly the vaccines in and arranged for them to be sent directly to designated facilities across Kuala Lumpur.
Well equipped for a colossal task
Touching on the project, Neo said that organising the distribution process to so many people, in a short time span, would be a monumental and complex operation.
However, he stressed that they are well-equipped for the task and is proud to contribute its expertise for a national programme.
“Since the onset of the pandemic, DHL Express has leveraged our broad experience and expertise to help maintain the integrity of the healthcare supply chain.
“We ensured that vital supplies and protective equipment reach communities and medical stakeholders in need,” Neo stated.
On related matter, DHL Express Asia Pacific CEO Ken Lee said that he was proud to cooperate in such programme, adding they have delivered COVID-19 vaccines to the Middle East as well.
“We are proud for this opportunity to make a difference and I can assure you that no effort is spared in ensuring that our well-established DHL Medical Express solution adheres to the stringent requirements of speed, quality, security and reliability when it comes to transporting these precious cargos,” he added. – Feb 21, 2021.
