Latest news with #SharifaEzatWanPuteh
New Straits Times
3 days ago
- Climate
- New Straits Times
Public warned of heatstroke as hot spell continues
KUALA LUMPUR: The recent extreme heat affecting several districts in Malaysia is due to the Southwest Monsoon, which typically brings less rainfall nationwide and leads to higher temperatures during dry periods. Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) director-general Dr Mohd Hisham Mohd Anip said the hot conditions are expected to continue until September. However, he said temperatures are likely to return to normal in the coming days as more areas are forecast to receive rain in the early mornings and late afternoons. "The country is currently experiencing the Southwest Monsoon, during which rainfall generally decreases across most areas. "However, thunderstorms and heavy rain may still occur from time to time, especially in the western peninsula, northern Sarawak and western Sabah in the morning, and inland areas in the evening or at night," he said. He was responding to recent reports which said six districts — Bandar Baharu (Kedah), Larut, Matang, Kuala Kangsar and Perak Tengah (Perak), as well as Machang and Kuala Krai (Kelantan) — recorded daily maximum temperatures of 35°C to 37°C for three consecutive days. These areas have been classified under Level 1 (Alert). The situation has raised concerns among public health experts and residents. Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia's Professor Dr Sharifa Ezat Wan Puteh warned that heatstroke could be fatal, particularly for the elderly, children, pregnant women and those who are obese. In Kampung Labok, Machang, resident Syahman Kamaruddin, 44, said his family had to bathe several times a day, even at night, due to the heat. He also reported murky tap water in the area Mohd Hisham advised the public to stay hydrated and avoid prolonged outdoor activity to reduce health risks. "Open burning should also be avoided, as it can contribute to haze and environmental pollution. "For the latest weather updates, visit MetMalaysia's website, use the myCuaca mobile app, or follow our social media platforms," he said. For further information, the public may contact MetMalaysia's hotline at 1-300-22-1638.
The Star
3 days ago
- General
- The Star
Surge in Covid-19 cases recorded
Virus making a comeback in Thailand, Singapore, Hong Kong and US PETALING JAYA: As society becomes more relaxed about the perceived threat of Covid-19, the coronavirus has started to resurge in many countries, leading to an increase in reported cases. Between May 25 and 30, Thailand reported 65,880 new Covid-19 cases with three fatalities. Indonesia's Health Ministry issued a public health advisory following a resurgence of cases in several Asian countries. It urged citizens to remain vigilant and adopt precautionary measures. Both Hong Kong and the United States have reported an uptick in Covid-19 cases linked to the NB.1.8.1 variant. Singapore reported over 14,000 cases between Apr 27 and May 3. In Malaysia, the Health Ministry said an average of 600 cases were reported each week between Apr 14 and May 10. Malaysia reported over 11,000 cases between Jan 1 and May 10. These are the last available numbers released by the ministry. Prof Dr Sharifa Ezat Wan Puteh, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia's professor of Public Health Medicine, said people have become lax as Covid-19 is no longer seen as a major threat now. People should be aware of the mutation of the virus and the new variants that would appear, she added. 'The most recent designated variant under monitoring (VUM) is NB.1.8.1, and it is considered highly transmissible but does not indicate higher virulence, or risk of hospitalisation or deaths. It has been stated that the current vaccine's coverage also covers the current strain and those at high risk such as the elderly, young children, pregnant women and those with high comorbidity need to be vigilant,' she added. She said high-risk groups should wear a mask when they are outdoors or if they develop symptoms. Those with non-communicable diseases (NCDs) should not miss their medication schedule. 'If you have Covid-19-like symptoms, it could also be adenovirus (usually mild), Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and/or influenza,' she said. This can be determined by testing for Covid-19, or by visiting your healthcare provider for treatment and admission if necessary. 'The symptoms may mimic each other, or you can catch two diseases at the same time which is rare, but can occur,' she added. She said this new variant seems to cause symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, fatigue, headache and gastrointestinal distress. 'Besides antigen testing, you may need to get a chest X-ray and blood test for confirmation to rule out pneumonia. Covid generally presents as non threatening symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection and no need to follow up with MySejahtera app (like before),' she said. Former Health Ministry official and public health expert Datuk Dr Zainal Ariffin Omar said the rise in cases could be due to decreasing immunity either from natural infection or immunisation and people no longer observing precautionary measures like before. The World Health Organisation (WHO) said on May 28 that since February, global SARS-CoV-2 activity has been on the rise, with the test positivity rate reaching 11% - levels that have not been observed since July 2024. 'This rise is primarily observed in countries in the Eastern Mediterranean, Southeast Asia and Western Pacific regions. Since early 2025, global SARS-CoV-2 variant trends have slightly shifted. Circulation of LP.8.1 has been declining, and reporting of NB.1.8.1, a VUM, is increasing, reaching 10.7% of global sequences reported as of mid-May.' Recent increases in SARS-CoV-2 activity are broadly consistent with levels observed during the same period last year. However, there still lacks a clear seasonality in SARS-CoV-2 circulation, and surveillance is limited, it said. WHO also advised all member states to continue monitoring and applying a risk-based and integrated approach to managing Covid-19.
The Sun
25-05-2025
- General
- The Sun
Fewer couples starting families amid shifting priorities
PETALING JAYA: Malaysia is facing an unprecedented decline in birth rates, a demographic shift that experts warn could have serious consequences for the nation's economy, workforce and social cohesion. Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia public health medicine specialist Prof Dr Sharifa Ezat Wan Puteh attributed the falling birth rate largely to the high cost of raising children, particularly in urban areas. 'Years ago, families often had five children. Now, the average is three, and it could fall further to two or even one, much like the trend in Singapore. 'It's not just housing or food. Even providing nutritious meals is expensive. Parents feel pressured to enrol children in preschool by age three, followed by entrance exams, tuition and other academic demands – all of which add to the financial burden.' She added that environmental factors are also playing a growing role. 'Air and water pollution, including exposure to heavy metals from traffic and industrial waste, has been linked to reduced sperm quality in men. Fertility isn't just about biology, it's also about the desire to have children and both are declining.' She added that while dual-income households are now the norm, even two salaries often fall short of what is needed to raise a family. 'It's no longer feasible for the husband alone to support the household. The wife also contributes significantly to family expenses. Yet, starting salaries remain low, even for professionals such as doctors, engineers and teachers. In an upper-middle income country such as Malaysia, a minimum wage of RM1,700 is still inadequate for a growing family.' According to the Statistics Department, only 93,500 births were recorded in the first quarter of 2025, an 11.5% drop from 105,613 during the same period last year. It marks the lowest quarterly birth rate ever recorded. The department attributed the decline to falling fertility and warned of broader social implications. Meanwhile, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia senior lecturer in anthropology and sociology Dr Velan Kunjuraman pointed to deeper societal shifts, shaped by modernisation and globalisation, which have redefined perceptions of marriage and parenthood. 'Young people today prioritise financial stability, personal freedom and career success before starting families. Marriage, once a key life milestone, no longer holds the same weight.' He observed that highly educated, career-focused individuals increasingly view marriage as optional, with some choosing to remain childfree to enjoy life without the responsibilities of parenting. Velan also highlighted the rising divorce rate and growing acceptance of alternative relationships, such as live-in partnerships, especially in urban areas. 'Marriage remains an important ethical and legal institution, but its meaning and practice have evolved. Gender expectations still play a role, some women see marriage as a threat to their independence due to the traditional caregiving roles still expected of them. 'Today, successful families are founded on shared responsibility and mutual respect.'
Scoop
28-04-2025
- Health
- Scoop
Malaysia's Vape Policy Putting Public Health At Risk
The Coalition of Asia Pacific Tobacco Harm Reduction Advocates (CAPHRA) today urged Malaysian authorities to reject counterproductive bans on vaping and adopt risk-proportionate regulations, citing the World Health Organization's (WHO) persistent neglect of harm reduction strategies as a key driver of preventable smoking-related deaths. The call comes as Malaysia faces pressure to tighten vaping controls under the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852), with state-level bans and stricter nicotine limits threatening progress. CAPHRA warns such measures risk replicating failed prohibition in Bhutan and South Africa, where bans fuelled illicit markets and health risks. Professor Dr. Sharifa Ezat Wan Puteh emphasised: 'Enforcing stricter controls on high-risk products over safer alternatives is better than outright bans. Malaysia must differentiate between combustible cigarettes and harm reduction tools.' Echoing this, Samsul Arrifin Kamal of MOVE Malaysia stated: 'We firmly believe that an outright ban on vape products is counterproductive and could lead to unintended consequences, including the proliferation of black market activities. The solution lies in implementing stricter controls, risk proportionate regulations and robust enforcement mechanisms. By establishing clear guidelines for the production, sale and use of vape products, we can ensure consumer safety.' CAPHRA criticised the WHO's outdated stance, which ignores vaping's role in smoking cessation. Despite Malaysia's illicit tobacco trade dominating 55.3% of the market in 2023, WHO projects smoking rates will rise to 30% by 2025-contrasting sharply with Sweden's 5% rate achieved through harm reduction. 'The WHO's anti-harm reduction dogma costs lives,' said Nancy Loucas, CAPHRA Executive Coordinator. 'Malaysia must choose: follow failed prohibition or evidence. Sweden's success proves science trumps ideology.' While Act 852 introduced nicotine caps and health warnings, proposals to ban vaping in states like Selangor and Johor risk fragmenting policy. CAPHRA urges federal-state harmonisation to avoid undermining progress. With 68% of Malaysian ex-smokers crediting vaping for quitting combustibles, CAPHRA calls for expanding regulated access while pressuring the WHO to revise its stance. 'Malaysia can lead ASEAN by prioritising 5 million smokers' health over outdated rhetoric,' Loucas concluded.
