KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 26 — The Health Ministry confirmed today the existence of an anti-vaccine movement among parents in Malaysia, and that it was primarily based in Kedah.
Deputy Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Hilmi Yahaya said that the movement was due to unfounded fears that vaccines contained pig DNA, and that Muslims should stay away from getting immunisation jabs.
"There is a movement. Many of them in Kedah reject vaccinations," Dr Hilmi said in a reply in Parliament to Hulu Langat MP Dr Che Rosli Che Mat.
The PAS MP had asked the ministry to state whether it was true that there was an anti-vaccine movement and the reasons behind it.
"We are telling these people it is not true, most vaccines do not have pig DNA," Dr Hilmi added.
He said that the Health Ministry will have to go on a more aggressive campaign to create awareness on the importance of ensuring that children and babies receive immunisation jabs.
Parents in a growing anti-vaccination wave have said it is a personal choice based on their own research and experience.
