He said while the utmost importance in Islamic law was to save lives, health authorities must ensure the vaccine was free from items deemed to be forbidden by the religion.

“We must ensure that it is halal. If there are no forbidden items in the vaccines, as per shariah laws, it should not harm anyone. If this is fulfilled, there will be no objections,” he told FMT.

Rahman was responding to comments by netizens on Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Khairy Jamaluddin’s social media account where they raised questions regarding the vaccine’s halal status.

Former deputy health minister Dr Lee Boon Chye said the halal concerns would be addressed by the health ministry, with advice from the National Fatwa Council.

“The ministry would first and foremost evaluate the vaccine in terms of efficacy and safety. It must be said in order to return to normal life, vaccines are the best way forward.”

Putrajaya had recently said it would make advance bookings for the vaccine through its participation in the Covid-19 Vaccine Global Access initiative, with an estimated cost of over RM3 billion.

Khairy, who is co-chair of the government’s vaccine supplies committee, said the allocation would be able to immunise 70% of the country’s population next year.

He had said vaccines would come as early as the first quarter of next year, with medical workers the priority to receive them.

As for the halal issue, Khairy had urged for more explanatory sessions for the people and assured that the vaccines would be vetted and approved by the Malaysian Islamic Development Department or Jakim.

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