The Sultan of Kelantan, Sultan Muhammad V has consented for Istana Balai Besar in Kota Bharu to be opened to the public to facilitate the Covid-19 vaccination program. Controller of the Royal Household, Datuk Tengku Azmi Tengku Jaafar in his statement said that Istana Balai Besar was the only palace in Kelantan opened for public vaccination purposes.
Tengku Azmi commented further that Sultan Muhammad V also praised the people of Kelantan who had registered to receive the vaccine. Tengku Azmi said that the National Covid-19 Vaccination Program at Istana Balai Besar, organised by the Office of the Sultan of Kelantan in collaboration with the state Health Department for Phase Two of the National Recovery Plan (PPN), would be held for five days, which started over the weekend on Sunday (1st August).
“The (vaccination) programme for Phase One of the PPN was held on 9th June involving 350 officers and staff of the Kelantan Palace. For this programme, about 2,000 recipients are expected to receive the vaccine with 1,000 comprising locals while the rest will be the staff and relatives of the Kelantan Palace,” remarked Tengku Azmi to reporters on Sunday.
Sultan Muhammad V also urged the people of the state to be aware and take seriously the increasing number of Covid-19 infections in the country. “His Highness also called on the people to play their part in protecting themselves and their families,” Tengku Azmi elaborated.
Tengku Azmi said that Sultan Muhammad V also expressed his appreciation to all frontliners and the Ministry of Health (MOH) who are working tirelessly to curb the spread of Covid-19. “They have worked tirelessly to serve all levels of the society and to ensure that the spike in cases can be reduced as soon as possible,” he mentioned.
Netizens on social media have praised the royal family of Kelantan who came forward to facilitate the implementation of the vaccine in the state. “This is the function of the palace for the wellbeing of the people. Not just to show off luxury,” commented one netizen.
Pretty proud of this. This is what a palace should be – open to the public for anyone to walk in, too. pic.twitter.com/SG0NByqcnK
— Qistina (@tnqistina) August 1, 2021
Tengku Azmi added that several other programmes are being planned to be held at the Istana Balai Besar, including food baskets distribution to Kelantan residents who are affected by the pandemic.
Sources: Astro Gempak, Awani, Bernama
