Latest news with #StateHealthCommittee
New Straits Times
5 days ago
- Health
- New Straits Times
5 soldiers hospitalised for heat exhaustion during Perak military exercise
IPOH: Perak has recorded five cases of heat exhaustion, all involving army personnel, following persistently hot weather since May. State Health Committee chairman A. Sivanesan said the cases were reported during Keris Strike 2025, a military field exercise held in forested areas near Sungai Siput and Sauk in Kuala Kangsar on July 27. He said the affected individuals, aged between 22 and 39, were among an estimated 2,500 participants in the exercise. "All five army personnel were hospitalised at Kuala Kangsar Hospital with symptoms consistent with heat exhaustion, including dizziness, nausea, and near-fainting episodes. "None required intensive care, and no fatalities were reported. The individuals had been in the forest for three days under extreme heat conditions. "Fortunately, early intervention by military medical personnel and subsequent hospital care helped stabilise their condition," he said. He was speaking to reporters after handing over Employment Insurance benefits and launching the MyFutureJobs Mini Career Carnival at Wisma Perkeso here today. He added that initial treatment was provided at the Regiment Aid Post (RAP) before the patients were transferred by military ambulance to the hospital's emergency unit. He also advised the public to remain cautious by staying well-hydrated, avoiding strenuous physical activity, and limiting outdoor exposure during the current hot weather.
New Straits Times
22-07-2025
- Health
- New Straits Times
Parents urged to vaccinate after infant falls ill with pertussis
IPOH: Health authorities have issued a reminder for parents to ensure timely vaccinations for their infants following a confirmed case of whooping cough involving a two-month-old baby in the state. State Health Committee Chairman A. Sivanesan said the baby, who had received only one dose of the DTP (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis) vaccine was diagnosed with pertussis earlier this month. Sivanesan said the baby has since fully recovered after receiving antibiotic treatment. Pertussis, also known as whooping cough, is a highly contagious bacterial infection that affects the lungs and airways. It mainly threatens infants and young children, but can be prevented through routine childhood vaccinations. Sivanesan said that the case should serve as a wake-up call to parents who are hesitant or delay their children's vaccinations. "If the baby hadn't received at least one dose of the vaccine, the situation could have been far more dangerous. "Some parents refuse vaccinations based on personal beliefs, but this puts their babies at risk. Don't take the risk. Please get your children vaccinated," he told reporters here today. He added that, as of July 9 this year, Perak has recorded 41 notifications of suspected pertussis cases, but only one has been confirmed positive. "This marks a 96.6 per cent drop from the same period last year, when 29 confirmed cases and four outbreaks were reported in the state," he said. He added that pertussis symptoms, often mistaken for a common cough, can persist for weeks and may lead to serious complications such as pneumonia, particularly in unvaccinated infants. "If a child has been coughing for more than a week despite treatment, they must be taken to a clinic for further testing. "We have the lab facilities. The problem is when we delay. If you only get one dose and miss the rest, who's responsible when something goes wrong?" he said. He also stressed the importance of adhering to the national immunisation schedule, which includes pertussis shots at two, four, six, and 18 months (booster). "There is no legal mandate requiring that all newborns be vaccinated. No mandatory requirement. So some parents refuse. "The case mentioned earlier was treated with antibiotics and fully recovered. Four close contacts were identified, and all tested negative for pertussis," he said. He also said that the current pertussis situation in Perak remained under control, with no deaths reported this year and all close contacts of the confirmed case testing negative. If a child's cough lasts more than three days, parents should take them to a clinic for a check-up, he said. Sivanesan also urged the public to practise proper cough etiquette, wear face masks when symptomatic, and seek medical attention if symptoms persist.
The Sun
05-07-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Malaysian trucker donates rare Rh-negative blood for 33 years
TANJONG MALIM: A lorry driver's accident 34 years ago led him to a lifelong mission of donating his rare Rh-negative blood, a type difficult to find in Malaysia. S. Shanmugam, 54, has since given blood 54 times, becoming the largest donor of this rare blood type to Raja Permaisuri Bainun Hospital (HRPB). Shanmugam discovered his blood type's rarity after a 1991 accident delayed his surgery due to a lack of matching donors. 'From there, I realised I needed to become a donor out of responsibility,' he said after receiving an award at Slim River Hospital during Perak's World Blood Donor Day celebration. Living in Teluk Intan, Shanmugam donates four times yearly, as Rh-negative blood makes up less than 10% of Malaysia's blood supply. State Health Committee chairman A. Sivanesan presented awards to top donors, including legal consultant Beh Zeng Kang, 29, who has donated 51 times since age 17. Beh, with the common O blood type, said donating is a routine. 'As long as I'm healthy, I'll keep helping those in need,' he said. Sivanesan noted Perak collected 64,416 blood bags last year, with Chinese donors leading at 48.32%, followed by Malays (39.12%) and Indians (11.40%). The state estimates needing 80,000 blood bags annually. Special certificates were given to 36 donors and 15 campaign organisers for their contributions.
New Straits Times
05-06-2025
- Health
- New Straits Times
Penang to meet vape industry before deciding on possible sales ban
GEORGETOWN: The Penang government will engage with vape industry players before making any decision on a potential ban on the sale of vape products in the state. Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the state government had received a letter from representatives of the vape industry regarding the matter. "They wanted us to hear them out, and we are prepared to do so. "I have instructed the relevant state executive council member to meet with them and listen to their concerns," he told reporters today, adding that the letter was received recently. Last month, State Health Committee chairman Daniel Gooi told the state legislative assembly that Penang might consider imposing a statewide ban on the sale of vape products next year if enforcement under the new smoking control law proves ineffective. The Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852), which came into force on Oct 1 last year, aims to strengthen regulations on the sale, advertising, and promotion of all smoking products, including e-cigarettes and vape, across Malaysia. The Act specifically targets individuals under the age of 18, prohibiting them from selling, purchasing or using any smoking product by any means. Chow added that Penang was not the only state considering a statewide ban on the sale of vape products. He said several other states were also exploring the same move. "Of course, we are aware of the health risks associated with the irresponsible use of vape products. "However, there are other issues we need to consider. Imposing a ban will have various consequences and may not effectively address the social problems related to the underground sale of vape products. "As such, we need to study the matter carefully before making any decision," he added.
