Perception of youth in East Malaysia (Sabah) towards the Malaysia national covid-19 immunisation programme (PICK)

As a measure to curb the deadly Covid-19 virus, Malaysian government has implemented National Immunisation Programme (PICK) in early February 2021 achieve herd immunity by 2022. However, several factors have influenced success of programme, including accessibility, role social media, religious concerns and variety other reasons. Therefore, this paper determines that influence perceptions youth East Malaysia (Sabah) towards PICK. This study uses self-administered questionnaire through media applications. A total 814 respondents consisting youths Sabah aged between 18-40 years been sampled. The raw data descriptively analysed (K-Means Clustering, Mean & frequency) inferentially examined (Mann-Whitney U Test). respondents’ are grouped into two clusters: Cluster 1 (54.3%) who exhibited vaccine hesitancy, 2 (45.7%), demonstrated positive programme. Based on cluster analysis, discovered most inclined not participate PICK due factors, such as Safety (M=3.25, SD=0.578), Communication (M=3.37, SD=0.441), Psychology (M=3.40, SD=0.568) Milieu (M=3.32, SD=0.545). analysis is important determine different patterns Sabah. argues if indicated properly addressed, government’s target will be successful. Apparently, information issues management mainstream extremely important, especially handling critical matters. result, there need revisit media's causes contribute youths’ rejection government-sponsored initiatives. findings useful for so implement necessary policies, adjustments improvements future health regulations or campaigns, addressing misinformation related digital era.