Malaysia: Ministry: Don't take H1N1 lightly

2009/06/30

KUALA LUMPUR: The health minister has come out with a stern warning -- do not take Influenza A (H1N1) lightly.

Datuk Liow Tiong Lai said the virus was a proven killer with hundreds of deaths reported in badly-affected countries, including United States and Mexico, where the virus first struck.

"The virus will be around for months. Do not take the issue lightly because with more cases reported, there will be more deaths," he said in reply to points raised by members of parliament in an emergency motion to debate Malaysia's readiness to face the virus.

Liow said Malaysia, even though free of fatal cases, has taken the necessary steps through the National Influenza Pandemic Preparedness Plan (NIPPP) to contain the transmission of the virus.

Liow shot down statements by certain quarters that the government was not doing enough to curb the spread of the virus as various preparations have been done by 17 ministries and agencies involved under the NIPPP.
Liow said entry points with large number of arrivals were equipped with thermal scanners while the rest were given thermometers to check body temperature.

He said the police and the Immigration Department had also been asked to tighten border security.

He said companies should also take ownership in the case of positive Influenza A (H1N1) among their workers.

Liow said he would hold a briefing on the virus tomorrow at parliament as many MPs were committed to help the ministry deal with the issue.