Latest news with #StateHealthandEnvironmentCommittee
New Straits Times
23-07-2025
- General
- New Straits Times
Nine wild elephants relocated in Johor conservation effort
KLUANG: Nine wild elephants, including two calves, were relocated from forest areas near Kampung Seri Lukut and Kampung Pinggir here as part of Johor's largest coordinated operation to address wildlife-human conflict. The week-long Ops Translokasi Gajah Bersepadu Negeri Johor (state integrated elephant translocation operation), which began on July 14, was spearheaded by the Johor Wildlife and National Parks Department (Perhilitan). State Health and Environment Committee chairman Ling Tian Soon said the mammals, three adult bulls, four adult females and two female calves, were sedated using specialised veterinary methods, monitored closely for stress and vital signs, and gently lifted into custom-built transport trucks in a carefully staged operation. The relocation to Taman Negara, a designated safe habitat, began at 8am yesterday and concluded by 1pm. The convoy was escorted by enforcement units and wildlife experts to ensure the safety of both animals and personnel. Ling said the operation reflected the state's commitment to conservation without sacrificing the needs of rural communities. "This isn't just about relocating elephants, it's about coexisting responsibly. Johor is taking proactive steps to reduce conflict while safeguarding our natural heritage," he said.
The Sun
21-07-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Johor to deploy 100 volunteers to ease hospital workload
JOHOR BAHRU: The Johor state government will train and deploy 100 volunteers to assist in major hospitals, easing the workload of healthcare staff. State Health and Environment Committee chairman Ling Tian Soon announced the initiative after discussions between Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi and Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad. 'This is a short-term measure while awaiting long-term solutions from the Ministry of Health, including increased training quotas and additional personnel for Johor,' Ling said during a medical equipment handover ceremony at Sultan Ismail Hospital. The volunteers, part of the Southern Volunteers initiative, will handle non-medical tasks such as patient registration, document handling, and managing patient flow. 'Their role will allow medical staff to focus on clinical duties,' Ling added. Recruitment for the first batch of 100 volunteers is now open, with a one-week training programme to prepare them for hospital operations. The state is considering providing an allowance as appreciation for their service. Johor currently faces a shortage of 4,600 healthcare workers, including specialists, nurses, and support staff. Southern Johor, with the highest patient load, remains a priority for staffing allocations. A joint task force between the state and federal health ministry will meet monthly to address manpower planning and training capacity. 'This volunteer programme is a temporary but crucial step in alleviating pressure on hospitals,' Ling said. – Bernama
New Straits Times
19-07-2025
- Health
- New Straits Times
Police heli crash: Constable Devendran moved to general ward
JOHOR BARU: Constable R. G. Devendran, one of the victims of the police helicopter crash who had been placed in a medically induced coma in the intensive care unit (ICU) at Sultanah Aminah Hospital (HSA) here, has been transferred to a general ward today. State Health and Environment Committee chairman Ling Tian Soon said air observer Corporal Adeline Liu Yan Siu, who was also admitted to the ICU, was discharged on Wednesday and is now receiving follow-up treatment at Serdang Hospital. He said the pilot ACP Faizul Mohammad and his co-pilot Supt Ahmad Bustamin Baharom, who were receiving follow-up treatment at Serdang Hospital and Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz UKM, respectively, were discharged on Tuesday. Ling said Sergeant Siti Latipa Khairuddin from the Tanjung Kupang police station is still being treated at HSA's general ward. "One of the victims (Devendran) is now in stable condition and has been moved from the ICU to a general ward to allow him to rest and continue receiving treatment," he told reporters after the handover ceremony of bed donations by the Fo Guang Shan Association at HSA's Women's Ward PP1, here today. On July 10, the helicopter crashed in Sungai Pulai, Gelang Patah during the Multilateral Nuclear Security Detection Exercise (MITSATOM) 2025, a joint training operation involving Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and Singapore at the Gelang Patah Maritime Jetty. It was reported that Devendran, who is attached to the Iskandar Puteri district police headquarters, had to be sedated due to a lung infection caused by drowning during the incident. The helicopter was forced to make an emergency landing near the Sungai Pulai jetty on July 10.
The Sun
17-07-2025
- General
- The Sun
Six elephants captured in Kluang under translocation operation
JOHOR BAHRU: The Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan) has successfully captured six elephants in Kluang as part of an ongoing translocation operation. The initiative, which began on Monday, targets areas around Kampung Pinggir and Kampung Sri Lukut to address rising human-elephant conflicts. State Health and Environment Committee chairman Ling Tian Soon confirmed the captures, noting that the elephants are sizable, with some standing up to two metres tall. 'The elephants captured are quite large, with some reaching up to two metres tall and they are part of a group from the national park, which has been causing conflict in the Kampung Sri Lukut area of late,' he said in a Facebook post. The operation, led by the Johor and Peninsular Perhilitan Elephant Translocation Unit (UTG), aims to relocate elephant groups encroaching on agricultural and residential zones. Beyond mitigating conflicts, the effort seeks to restore ecological balance by controlling elephant populations outside their natural habitats. Scientific data collected during the operation will also help refine wildlife management policies. The Johor government has allocated RM600,000 to support the translocation, reinforcing its commitment to conservation and sustainable wildlife management. - BERNAMA
New Straits Times
21-06-2025
- Health
- New Straits Times
No Zika cases in Johor, but state on high alert after Singapore infections
JOHOR BARU: There are no Zika cases reported in Johor, despite two confirmed infections in Singapore. Following the recent cases reported across the Causeway, health authorities are on high alert and have heightened mosquito control and health surveillance. State Health and Environment Committee chairman Ling Tian Soon said entry protocols remain unchanged at all land, sea and air checkpoints to Johor. "Singaporeans and other foreigners can continue to make their way into Johor. "Screening protocol will continue at all entry checkpoints…anyone showing symptoms will be immediately referred for further testing at designated medical facilities," he told the New Straits Times today. "There are no reported Zika cases in Johor as of now, and the Health Ministry has not issued any new directives. However, we remain vigilant," Ling added. There are two confirmed Zika cases in Singapore's housing estate in Woodlands, some 5km away from the Johor's border land entry point via the Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) complex at the Bangunan Sultan Ismail, here. While Malaysia has not seen a Zika outbreak since 2016, Ling stressed the need for continuous preventive efforts, especially in Johor given its high volume of cross-border traffic. Malaysia's last significant Zika concern occurred in 2016, when the first local transmission was confirmed in Sabah, shortly after Singapore reported a major outbreak in the Aljunied area. Since then, Malaysia has reported sporadic cases, primarily imported or isolated incidents, but no major outbreak or cluster has been officially recorded. As of June 2025, there has been no confirmed Zika outbreak in Malaysia resembling the 2016 episode in terms of scale or transmission pattern. Meanwhile, Singapore National Environment Agency (NEA) in a statement issued on June 19 (Thursday) said NEA and the Communicable Diseases Agency (CDA) confirmed two locally transmitted Zika cases at Woodlands Street 11 and Street 32. The viral traces were found in both mosquito and wastewater samples in the area which signalled a likely transmission. Singapore, has deployed over 70,000 mosquito traps across the island, has recorded seven confirmed Zika cases this year. The virus is spread mainly by Aedes mosquitoes, which is the same vector responsible for dengue. It can cause serious complications in pregnant women, including birth defects. Zika symptoms include fever, rash, red eyes, and joint pain, although many infected individuals remain asymptomatic. There is currently no vaccine or specific treatment. Ling urged Johoreans to stay alert and practise anti-mosquito measures such as removing stagnant water and using repellents. He also advised pregnant women and those planning to travel to affected areas to consult medical professionals if they develop symptoms. The public can follow updates through official channels and are advised to seek immediate medical attention if unwell.
