Dzulkefly: Strict inspection at entry points to deter influenza spread into M’sia
KUALA LUMPUR: The Health Ministry will increase inspection at all entry points into the country in order to curb influenza infection from coming into Malaysia.
Its minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the authorities had placed heat detectors at all entry points, including Johor Bahru, Sabah and Sarawak to detect sick people entering the country.
“Once they are detected, they will be sent to the nearest clinic or hospital to be tested for influenza and proper treatment will be given,” he said, after launching Speak Out: Express Your Right campaign at KL Sentral today.
He was commenting on reports that there was an increase in influenza cases in the country recently.
However, Dzulkefly said until recently, there were no fatalities caused by influenza reported to date.
Meanwhile, commenting on the Speak Out: Express Your Right campaign, Dzulkefly said that it was aimed at helping non-smokers to express their right to have a smoke-free environment.
“In Malaysia, almost 80% of the people are non-smokers and they are exposed to second hand smoke from cigarettes.
“The campaign is to educate and strengthen non-smokers to express their right, especially in reprimanding smokers,” he said.
He added the campaign is conducted in tandem with the government’s decision to ban smoking at all eateries nationwide this year.
By Irman Hashim
