Covid Vaccine Mock-ups

We know the world is scrambling to inoculate populations against Covid. And in Malaysia, the deceased gets a chance to get their jabs too.

There’s this store owner in Johor Bahru, Johor whose ‘handmade’ vaccines have become popular prayer offerings during the ongoing Hungry Ghost Festival. 

During this time of the year, people leave out food portions for their dearly departed and burn incense and make offerings made of paper resembling things the deceased may have wanted. 

FYI, this ‘celebration’ centers on the belief that the spirits of the dead return to Earth during the seventh month of the Chinese Lunar calendar. 

This year, a box set of a syringe and two vaccine vials are among the fastest-selling items for the festival at Raymond Shieh’s shop which specializes in selling prayer paraphernalia. 

Shieh explained: “The Covid-19 situation in our country is quite serious and many people passed away before receiving the vaccine. I hope this ‘product’ can help the deceased to fulfil their dying wish”. 

BTW, each set costs RM22.80 and Shieh said he has sold more than 200 sets so far. 

The spirits of the dead are here to enjoy a month-long vacation in the human world. So, it’s comforting to know that they are free to safely wander about because they too have received their vaccination. 

Yesterday, at Anfield, Liverpool fought hard against Chelsea in this fast and furious Premier League encounter but they ended with a 1-1 draw. 

It was the latter who took the lead in the twenty-second minute – but just seconds before the break, they had one defender sent off for a handball on the line. In the process, the former won a penalty which saw Mohamed Salah convert.

In the next 45 minutes, the Reds with a numerical advantage bulldozed their way forward to try and score but the Blues frustrated them at every turn. It was like playing against nine defenders. 

Anyway, it was a defensive masterclass from Chelsea and Liverpool weren’t able to find that all-important winner. And so, the latter forfeited two precious points. A real waste.