Employers reminded to ensure new migrant workers undergo malaria screening
PADANGBESAR: Thegovernment reminded employers, particularly from the plantation sector, to ensure that every new migrant worker undergo malaria screening when entering the country to prevent the disease from spreading here.
Health Minister Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said although the number of malaria cases in the country had dropped, commitment and support from all parties were still crucial to achieve zero malaria by 2020.
“There is still a risk of reinfection in areas that have been declared malaria-free due to the entry of foreign workers from malariaendemic countries or Malaysians who had worked in malaria risk countries.
“It is the employers’ responsibility to provide mosquito nets to protect employees against mosquito bites and to ensure the workers undergo immediate medical check up if they are experiencing malaria symptoms,” he said at the national level World Malaria Day programme at the Felcra Lubuk Sireh here yesterday.
The programme was officiated by the Raja Muda of Perlis, Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Jamalullail.
Dzulkefly said those who involved in forest-based activities such as hunting and opening new land for agriculture should take preventive measures by using mosquito repellent.
“For those working in malariaendemic countries or working in forests for an extended period of time, they should seek advice from health offices regarding the appropriate precautionary measures,” he said.
World Malaria Day celebrated on April 25 every year recognises global efforts to control the disease. — Bernama