Employers reminded to send workers for malaria screening
PADANG BESAR: The government has reminded employers, particularly in the plantation sector, to send new migrant workers for malaria screening when they arrive in the country to prevent the disease from spreading here.
Health Minister Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said although the number of malaria cases had dropped, commitment and support from all parties were crucial to achieve the target of zero-malaria cases by 2020.
“There is a risk of re-infection in areas that have been declared malaria-free due to the entry of foreign workers from endemic countries, or Malaysians returning from malaria-risk countries.
“It is the employers’ responsibility to provide mosquito nets to protect employees from mosquitoes and to ensure that their workers receive treatment if they experience malaria symptoms,” he said at the nationallevel World Malaria Day programme at Felcra Lubuk Sireh here yesterday.
The event was graced by Raja Muda of Perlis Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Jamalullail.
Dzulkefly said those working in the jungles, such as hunters and workers opening new land for agriculture, should take preventive measures like using mosquito repellent.
“For those working in malariaendemic countries or in forests for an extended period of time, they should seek advice from health clinics pertaining to precautionary measures,” he said.
World Malaria Day is celebrated on April 25 to recognise global efforts to control the disease.