SELGATE Corp, the wholly owned subsidiary of the Selangor State Development Corporation (PKNS), has come under fire from a group representing shopping malls and the retail industry for purportedly planning to charge businesses under its vaccination programme.
The group claimed that it has been made to understand that a charge of RM380 per course will be imposed under the Selgate programme which is supposed to be funded by and provided on a complimentary basis to both Malaysian citizens and non-citizens alike.
“As announced, the Selangor Government has allocated RM100 mil for this vaccination programme and it is inconceivable that a further charge of RM380 per course has been proposed to be levied,” exposed the group representing the Malaysia Shopping Malls Association, Malaysia Retailers Association (MRA), Malaysia Retail Chain Association (MRCA) and the Bumiputra Retailers Organisation.
“The RM380 per course charge by itself appears to be exorbitant as the global cost of vaccines are widely published and known in the public domain.”
Instead of receiving accolades, the initiative now appears to have negative connotations as businesses are not made aware of the reasons behind the charges, according to the retail group.
“Having paid for the vaccines from the state coffers, it would appear there is a profit motive to further charge for the vaccination and especially what appears to be at exorbitant level,” the group lamented.
“Furthermore, in this situation where all businesses are still struggling to survive, any further financial burden imposed – especially when it is deemed unfair – will handicap many businesses who can ill-afford (the cost) despite the Selangor state government promising free vaccine for traders and small factories as well as small and medium enterprises (SMEs).”
In this regard, the group is appealing to the Selangor state government to review the proposed need to further charge for the vaccination as the state has already wisely allocated RM100 mil to purchase the vaccines due to its urgency and critical situation.
“This is the time to draw on our reserves to save the people, save the economy and save the country,” the group added. – May 20, 2021
