Latest news with #Mastura
The Star
a day ago
- Health
- The Star
Penang remains vigilant as HFMD cases decline
ALTHOUGH the number of cases of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) has declined, medical professionals are urging parents to be vigilant as the virus remains prevalent within the community. Family medicine specialist Dr Mastura Mohd Sopian said parents should look for signs such as fever, mouth ulcers or a rash before sending their children to school. Gooi: Penang saw a peak in HFMD cases in epidemiology week 19, with 1,152 cases recorded,. 'Children must make it a habit to wash hands after playtime, after using the toilet, before eating and after coughing or sneezing,' said Dr Mastura of Universiti Sains Malaysia's (USM) Advanced Medical and Dental Institute. 'Provide them with their own water bottle, utensils and towel. 'Also, remind them not to put their hands in their mouths unnecessarily,' she said. HFMD is a common infection caused by a group of enteroviruses. It typically begins with a fever and a general feeling of being unwell, followed a day or two later by flat, discoloured spots or bumps that may blister. These usually appear on the hands, feet and mouth, and occasionally on the buttocks and groin. In recent weeks, some schools have reportedly shifted certain classrooms to online lessons due to the spread of HFMD cases. Dr Mastura said schools must adhere to cleaning protocols, enforce sick-child exclusion policies and promptly notify parents if any child fell ill. 'Children should cover their mouths and nose when coughing or sneezing, and dispose of used tissues properly. Dr Mastura: Schools must adhere to cleaning protocols. 'Parents should also disinfect frequently touched surfaces such as toys, tables, doorknobs and bedding,' she added. If a child shows symptoms or feels unwell, it is best to isolate them, Dr Mastura said. 'Keep your children at home and take them to a doctor for diagnosis and advice. 'Inform the school teacher in case other children may also be infected. 'Monitor your child for complications such as high fever, drowsiness or breathing difficulties. 'Children with symptoms should remain at home until they have fully recovered. This means until the blisters have dried and there is no fever. 'Do not share cups, utensils, towels or bedding with someone who has HFMD,' she reminded. Dr Mastura also encouraged parents to teach their children to speak up if they felt unwell, especially during class. Rachel Ng, who runs a chain of after-school care centres, said two common habits among children were rubbing their eyes and wearing face masks improperly. She said these could increase the risk of infection and make it harder to contain outbreaks. 'We keep reminding the children not to do so. 'When they wear masks, sometimes the mask slips down and does not cover the nose. 'We have to tell them to wear them correctly,' she said, adding that her centres check their children's temperatures twice a day. 'If someone has a fever, we isolate them and call the parents to pick them up,' said Ng. The centres hold a weekly assembly to remind the children of the 'do's and don'ts' of good hygiene, and rewards are given to those who adopt such practices. Penang health committee chairman Daniel Gooi said that as of epidemiology week (EW) 31 this year, Penang had recorded a total of 15,824 HFMD cases. For EW31 alone, he said Penang had 265 cases, a 27.4% drop compared to EW30, which recorded 365 cases. 'We saw a peak in HFMD cases at EW19, with 1,152 cases recorded, but the numbers have since declined gradually,' he said. Gooi said the state Health Department would be informed when schools in Penang reported an outbreak of HFMD or the chickenpox. 'According to the Health Ministry's directive, an outbreak is defined as two or more cases in the same locality within the disease's incubation period. 'For schools or kindergartens, an outbreak refers to two or more cases with within a two-week interval that are epidemiologically linked,' he explained. Gooi stressed that when a suspected outbreak is reported, it is important to ensure that infected children stay away from the institution for at least 10 days after the onset of symptoms. He said the children must also be certified as free from infection by a registered medical practitioner before returning to school. 'Active case detection will be conducted among close contacts at the institution and within the affected child's family. 'All symptomatic individuals will be referred to the nearest health clinic for treatment,' he added.
The Sun
4 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Perlis Connect 2025 promotes safe internet use and cyber awareness
PADANG BESAR: The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) is set to host the inaugural Perlis Connect programme tomorrow at Padang Besar Street. The event aims to educate the public on safe internet practices while addressing cyber threats like scams and cyberbullying. Mastura Hassan, Head of Commercial Department at Bernama, confirmed the one-day programme will run from 9 am to 7 pm. She noted that the event will include exhibition booths managed by multiple agencies. Visitors can enjoy a 50 per cent discount on Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) summonses during the event. An estimated 2,000 attendees are expected to participate in the programme. Seventeen interactive booths will be set up by Perlis NADI entrepreneurs and government bodies. Mastura shared these details after inspecting preparations alongside Bernama CEO Datin Paduka Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin. The Raja Muda of Perlis, Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Jamalullail, will officiate the event in the afternoon. State government bodies, universities, NADI entrepreneurs, and local authorities are supporting the initiative. Mastura hopes the programme will boost awareness of digital safety and opportunities among locals. She also encourages NADI entrepreneurs and students to engage in digital transformation efforts. - Bernama
The Star
6 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Sustainable Labuan batik takes centre stage
Intricate patterns: Mastura showcasing one of her Batik Linut Craft designs at her workshop in Galeri Lawa Labuan. — Bernama LABUAN: With distinctive artistry and innovative techniques, Labuan batik is gaining momentum as one of the Federal Territory's most promising cultural exports. The craft is set to step onto Malaysia's fashion stage before making its mark internationally, celebrated for its vibrant colours, floral and marine-inspired motifs and deep connection to the island's cultural heritage. The newly established Labuan Warisan (Lawa) Craft Gallery, officially opened by Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, Queen of Malaysia, on July 27, has quickly become a must-visit destination for both local and international visitors. Within just weeks of its opening, the gallery has become a cultural hub, offering a first-hand look at the creative process behind batik-making and serving as a showcase of Labuan's distinctive artistry. Visitors can watch artisans at work, learn about the painstaking stages of batik production and purchase pieces carrying the island's identity, Bernama reported. Labuan batik stands out for its innovative use of sago, a starch extracted from the pith of the sago palm, as the primary resist material in place of conventional candle wax. Applied with a canting or brush, sago creates intricate patterns while being environmentally friendly and abundant in Labuan. This eco-conscious choice not only strengthens the island's sustainability credentials but also sets Labuan batik apart as an art form that reflects its unique natural resources. At the forefront of this movement is Mastura Abd Razak, 44, a Labuan-born Bruneian and the sole batik entrepreneur on the island. Trained by the Sabah branch of the Malaysian Handicraft Development Corporation (Kraftangan Malaysia), Mastura operates the business with her husband Abd Rahmad Abd Malik, 45, who is from Sarawak. Their enterprise enjoys full support from the Federal Territories Department, which backing has enabled the expansion of batik promotion initiatives and the participation of Labuan batik in local and regional exhibitions. Mastura believes such support is crucial to raising the profile of Labuan batik nationally and internationally. 'With continuous government backing, Labuan batik can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Terengganu batik internationally. 'Within the next five years, I envision Labuan batik being worn by well-known models at fashion shows in Malaysia and abroad. 'It will be our island's gift to the world, a keepsake for visitors and a statement piece for global markets,' she said.
The Star
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Star
Promoting reading habit at Selangor children's book fair
(From left) Mohd Najwan, Amirudin, Mohd Fakhri and Mastura launching the 'Kisah Hidup Imam Al Ghazali' book at the fair. — KK SHAM/The Star THIS year's Selangor Children's Book Fair 2025 featured over 160 booths selling various novels and comics. Introduced in 2022, the four-day fair was organised by Selangor Public Library Corporation (PPAS) and Selangor Education Department. At the launch in Kompleks PKNS Shah Alam, PPAS director Datin Paduka Mastura Muhamad said the programme was aimed at inculcating a reading culture among young children. 'With countless titles available, this is an opportunity for parents to get a better idea of what interests their children. 'It is also a chance for families to spend quality time while browsing the books available,' she said. Mastura said reading was important to support children's cognitive development, which took place largely within the first 12 years of life. Guest of honour Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari recalled when his father brought home newspapers from work. 'I read the paper from cover to cover, going through all the sections, from politics to crime,' he said. His reading habit, which began from the age of six, instilled further curiosity about the world. 'I began having questions which spurred me to find out more. 'Quality reading materials may help empower our future generation.' Amirudin said Selangor had the potential to become a hub for the production of children's books. 'As of July alone, five states have organised book festivals, all of which were initiated in Selangor,' he said. The event also featured the launch of the book Kisah Hidup Imam Al Ghazali by IBDE Ilham Sdn Bhd. There were also storytelling sessions, cultural performances and lucky draws as well as arts and crafts activities. Also present were state executive councillor for youth, sports and entrepreneurship Mohd Najwan Halimi and IBDE Ilham board of directors member Mohd Fakhri Noor Affandi.
Borneo Post
7 days ago
- Business
- Borneo Post
Labuan Batik showcases island heritage, eyes international fashion market
Labuan local Bruneian and the sole batik entrepreneur, Mastura Abd Razak, 44, (left) and husband, Abd Rahmad Abd Malik, 45, (right) pictured with a tourist at the Galeri Lawa Labuan. LABUAN (Aug 12): Labuan Batik is set to step onto Malaysia's fashion stage before making its mark internationally, celebrated for its vibrant colours, floral and marine-inspired motifs and deep connection to the island's cultural heritage. With distinctive artistry and innovative techniques, the craft is gaining momentum as one of Labuan's most promising cultural exports. The newly established Labuan Warisan (LAWA) Craft Gallery, officially opened by Her Majesty Raja Zarith Sofiah, Queen of Malaysia, on July 27, has quickly become a must-visit destination for both local and international visitors. Within just weeks of its opening, the gallery has become a cultural hub, offering a first-hand look at the creative process behind batik-making and serving as a showcase of Labuan's distinctive artistry. Visitors can watch artisans at work, learn about the painstaking stages of batik production and purchase pieces that carry the island's identity. Labuan batik stands apart for its innovative use of sago, a starch extracted from the pith of the sago palm (Metroxylon sagu), as the primary resist material in place of conventional candle wax. Applied with a canting or brush, sago creates intricate patterns while being environmentally friendly and abundant in Labuan. This eco-conscious choice not only strengthens the island's sustainability credentials but also sets Labuan batik apart as an art form that reflects its unique natural resources. At the forefront of this movement is Mastura Abd Razak, 44, a Labuan-born Bruneian and the sole batik entrepreneur on the island. Trained by the Sabah branch of the Malaysian Handicraft Development Corporation (Kraftangan Malaysia), Mastura operates the business with her husband, Abd Rahmad Abd Malik, 45, who is from Sarawak. The couple's workshop at LAWA has become a focal point for cultural appreciation, skill transfer and heritage preservation. Mastura has also begun receiving orders from government agencies and corporate sectors, in addition to serving individual customers. Their enterprise enjoys full support from the Department of Federal Territories (JWP), whose backing has enabled the expansion of batik promotion initiatives and the participation of Labuan batik in local and regional exhibitions. Speaking to Bernama, Mastura believes such support is crucial to raising the profile of Labuan batik nationally and internationally. 'With continuous government backing, Labuan batik can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Terengganu's batik on the international stage. 'Within the next five years, I envision Labuan batik being worn by well-known models at fashion shows in Malaysia and abroad. It will be our island's gift to the world, a keepsake for visitors and a statement piece for global markets,' she said. Mastura said beyond the artistic value, the rise of Labuan batik also holds economic potential, as unique cultural products like batik offer a strong selling point for visitors seeking authentic souvenirs. She said if marketed effectively, Labuan batik could contribute to the island's creative economy, create job opportunities for local artisans, and position Labuan as a niche destination for cultural tourism. – Bernama
