Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Ahmad Adil Muhamad
SIXTY-seven new cases of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) were recorded in Penang yesterday, according to state Health, Agriculture and Agro-based Industry and Rural Development Committee chairman Dr Afif Bahardin.
“A total of 23 premises are still closed, including some classes in four schools. The schools are SJKC Moh Ghee (Pusat), SJKC Beng Teik (Pusat), SJKC Kwang Hwa and SK Juara,” Dr Afif said after hosting a durian treat for the media practitioners at the Agro-Tourism Centre in Relau.
“Until today, 13 victims are being hospitalised, up from 10 last week. I would advise not only shopping mall operators to disinfect their trolleys but also children’s games operators to sanitise their equipment.”
Dr Afif further advised parents to quarantine their children who have HFMD symptoms.
“They should make sure their children cannot be taken to public places, like schools and child care centres. Most importantly is that their children must seek medical treatment as soon as possible and also obey the doctor’s advice.”
On a separate matter, Dr Afif said he had suggested to Health Minister Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad recently for a formation of a Healthcare Service Commission to cut red tape when dealing with the Public Service Commission (PSC).
“Some of the rules in PSC are quite rigid. I believe with the change, the services at hospitals and healthcare centres will be more efficient and proactive,” he said.
Also present at the durian feast were state Agriculture Department director Rozaidi Abdul Rahman and his deputy Shahbani Ismail.
About 100kg of durian, from various species, were allocated for the event. They included species like Ang Hea (Udang Merah), Cheh Chee (Kulit Hitam), Hor Lor (Labu), Ochee (Duri Hitam), Musang King (Raja Kunyit) and also Kampung Durian.