The sum of RM3 billion was spent on procuring the vaccines alone, said National Covid-19 Immunisation Programme coordinating minister Khairy Jamaluddin.

“There are some people who are confused between the RM3 billion and RM5 billion figure, such as former prime minister Najib Razak,” said Khairy today in response to a question why an additional RM2 billion KWAN money had to be used.

“I am the user of the fund, not the giver. So the giver, the finance ministry, shall answer. I will also issue a statement explaining this in detail.

“But in summary, the cost of procuring vaccines is RM3 billion, another RM2 billion will be to implement the vaccination programme. We have to pay allowances, food, utility, rental for vaccine centres and more.

“The RM2 billion fund is a ceiling given by the finance ministry,” he told reporters at Wisma Darul Aman here today.

It was previously reported that RM3 billion had been allocated under the 2021 budget for the purpose of the vaccination programme.

The government’s decision to pass an emergency ordinance allowing it to tap into KWAN for vaccine expenses has stirred a hornet’s nest with Najib leading the chorus of criticism.

Najib pointed out that Putrajaya had previously said the RM3 billion was sufficient to vaccinate 83% of Malaysians and that there was no reason to seek more funds.

Separately, Khairy said over 490,000 teachers from government and private schools would be fast-tracked for vaccination under the present second phase, given the rising number of cases in schools.

Earlier, Khairy paid a courtesy call on menteri besar Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor at his office.

Khairy said only 32% of 1.6 million Kedahans above 18 under the target group have registered for vaccines to date.

He urged more senior citizens to sign up for the vaccines under the current phase and praised Sanusi’s home district of Sik, which recorded the highest number who registered.