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New Straits Times
an hour ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Penang backs 13MP, vows to accelerate high-value economy transition
GEORGE TOWN: The Penang government fully supports the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) as announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim in Dewan Rakyat earlier today. Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the core elements of the 13MP aligned with the goal of accelerating the achievement of Vision Penang 2030, which has been in place since 2018. As such, he said, Penang would continue to mobilise resources and engage its citizens to accelerate the transition to a high-value economy, enhancing the country's influence and global image, while ensuring a more prosperous life for the people and a sustainable environment, as envisioned. "As the 'Eastern Silicon Valley', Penang is grateful for the focus on listed projects that will provide high investment returns to the state of Penang and Malaysia in general. "This demonstrates that Penang continues to play a significant role in national investments and is poised to realise the country's vision of becoming a leader in the high-value semiconductor industry," he said in a statement today. Elaborating, Chow said infrastructure development projects such as the Mutiara Line Light Rail Transit (LRT) project and the PLUS Highway (Juru - Sungai Dua elevated highway) project would not only improve infrastructure but also expand existing connectivity. Similarly, he said, the expansion of Penang International Airport (PIA) would enhance user experience. "The Penang government hopes that this will be completed on schedule to strengthen regional connectivity and stimulate planned growth in the surrounding areas of the state," he added. Furthermore, Chow said, Penang welcomed the announcement of the long-awaited upgrade of the Klinik Desa Padang Menora in Seberang Prai Utara, which is eagerly anticipated by the local community. He said this upgrade would improve healthcare services in the area. Meanwhile, Chow said the implementation of a five-season paddy planting programme over the next two years in integrated agricultural development areas would provide an advantage for the state to maintain its position as the highest average rice producer in the country, thereby ensuring continued food security. "Overall, the Penang government hopes that this announcement will be followed by further details, including directions and strategies that need to be reviewed. "Follow-up actions will be presented to the relevant ministries to ensure that the commitments announced are realised in accordance with the people's mandate in the state and the country," he said. Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, when tabling of the 13MP, said the next five years would be critical for Malaysia's journey towards becoming a high-income nation, The 13MP, themed "Redesigning Development to Elevate the Dignity of the People", goes beyond economic aspirations.
New Straits Times
3 days ago
- Health
- New Straits Times
Combatting the superbug
THE rampant misuse of antibiotics in Malaysia highlights the urgent need for responsible healthcare practices. One common but dangerous example is the treatment of sore throats. Although most are caused by viruses and do not require antibiotics, many Malaysians still demand or expect them - fuelling the rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. This misuse is not just harmful; it is helping to build a future where simple infections could once again become deadly. In Malaysia, the overuse of antibiotics is particularly concerning — a recent study found that only 2.8 per cent of sore throat cases in public primary care clinics were caused by Group A Streptococcus (GAS), the only common bacterial cause warranting antibiotics, yet 22.3 per cent of these patients still received antibiotics, with over 90 per cent of these prescriptions deemed unnecessary. "The Health Ministry is scaling up national interventions to address antibiotic misuse. Our focus is on policy enforcement, enhancing clinical guidelines, and running large-scale education campaigns to shift both public and professional behaviour," says Klinik Kesihatan Bandar Botanic, Klang consultant family medicine specialist Dr Ho Bee Kiau. Misuse — often driven by misinformation — can lead to treatment failure and drug-resistant infections. Empowering patients with the right knowledge is critical to preventing a future where even routine infections become untreatable, says Kuala Lumpur Hospital head of pharmacotherapy services, Rahela Ambaras Khan. Clinical guidelines like the Malaysian Multidisciplinary Sore Throat Consensus are designed to support better diagnostic decisions. When used correctly, they help reduce reliance on antibiotics for viral infections, which don't benefit from them, adds Professor Dr Baharudin Abdullah, one of the authors of the Sore Throat Consensus. "Our data shows a persistent gap between what's medically appropriate and what's being prescribed. Closing that gap is essential," he adds. Patients often feel uncertain when told antibiotics aren't needed. That's why education is key — not just for doctors, but for the public, says Universiti Malaya faculty of medicine, department of primary care medicine, family medicine specialist Dr Mohazmi Mohamad. When people understand why antibiotics don't work for viral sore throats, they're more likely to accept alternative treatments and avoid contributing to resistance, he explains. In line with promoting responsible sore throat management, the Malaysian Multidisciplinary Sore Throat Consensus also provides healthcare professionals with clear, evidence-based guidance on when antibiotics are necessary — and when they are not. The guidelines highlight the value of accurate diagnosis, patient education, and symptom-targeted care, reinforcing the importance of accessible solutions that help manage viral sore throats without relying on antibiotics.
