Schools to activate online learning if API breaches 200 mark
She said the decision follows existing guidelines jointly coordinated with the Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry and the Health Ministry.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New Straits Times
3 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Dzulkefly: MOH committed to resolving healthcare staffing shortage
PAPAR: The Health Ministry (MOH) has prepared briefing notes and a memorandum to be presented to the Cabinet to address the ongoing shortage of personnel in the national healthcare sector, said its minister, Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad. He said the ministry is committed to resolving the filling of 4,352 positions to meet the healthcare needs of the people, as announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim yesterday. "We are aware that the shortage of personnel is a real issue and must be addressed. I am personally committed to expediting the appointment process for those currently on contract to be absorbed into permanent positions without having to wait by cohort. "We are identifying ways to reduce this deficit or close the gap, and to implement redistribution or resolve the long-standing issue of maldistribution. I have inherited this situation, but I am determined to address it within a reasonable timeframe," he said. He was speaking to reporters after attending the Community Engagement Day event at the National Information Dissemination Centre in Kampung Langkuas, Kinarut, near here yesterday. Also present were Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, Communications Ministry secretary-general Datuk Mohamad Fauzi Md Isa, and MOH secretary-general Datuk Seri Suriani Ahmad. When announcing government initiatives for Malaysians yesterday, the Prime Minister said the government would expedite the filling of 4,352 positions at healthcare facilities, including the appointment of contract doctors this year, in response to urgent needs in the country's healthcare sector. However, Dzulkefly clarified that the responsibility for position appointments does not lie with the ministry but rather under the jurisdiction of the Public Service Department (JPA) and the Public Services Commission (SPA), though he is confident these agencies are committed to fulfilling the staffing needs of the health sector. He added that the MOH is also striving to boost the morale of healthcare staff by maintaining the 42-hour work week for nurses, housemen (PPS), and medical officers (MOs). - BERNAMA
The Sun
9 hours ago
- The Sun
Negeri Sembilan monitors haze-related illnesses as API improves
SEREMBAN: The Negeri Sembilan government will continue monitoring haze-related illnesses through five sentinel health facilities under the Negeri Sembilan Health Department (JKNNS). Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun confirmed 305 cases, including six asthma-related hospitalisations, as of last Monday. 'Current monitoring shows no significant increase in reported cases, and the Air Pollutant Index (API) readings have declined since yesterday,' said Aminuddin. He expressed gratitude for recent rainfall, which helped reduce haze levels, and hoped for more rain in the coming days. Aminuddin, who is also Port Dickson MP, stated that cloud seeding is unnecessary for now but may be reconsidered if conditions worsen. The haze is believed to originate from open burning in Sumatra, Indonesia, as reported by the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia). Department of Environment director-general Datuk Wan Abdul Latiff Wan Jaffar noted that 66 out of 68 air quality stations nationwide recorded moderate levels, with the remaining two reporting good air quality. Meanwhile, dengue cases in Negeri Sembilan remain stable, with 104 cases this week compared to 74 last week. Authorities are monitoring 25 active outbreak localities, including four uncontrolled outbreaks and four hotspots. – Bernama
The Star
10 hours ago
- The Star
Health Ministry, MCMC to use drones and telehealth to boost rural healthcare access
Health Ministry and MCMC officials at the launch of the drone medicine delivery pilot project. KOTA KINABALU: A strategic collaboration between the Health Ministry (MOH) and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) will see digital healthcare services extended to rural and interior areas of Sabah, including the delivery of medicine using drones. In a joint statement on Wednesday (July 23), MOH and MCMC said the pilot drone project will be based at the Tawau Health Clinic and will serve two nearby National Information Dissemination Centres (Nadi). Sabah was selected for the pilot due to its high 4G and 5G coverage — 94.4% and 69% respectively — as well as its geographical challenges that demand innovative solutions to ensure continued treatment and medicine access. The collaboration will encompass eight major initiatives: upgrading communications infrastructure to support future healthcare needs; equipping rural clinics, including rural and community clinics, with computers and electronic medical record (EMR) systems; installing telehealth kiosks at Nadi centres; delivering medicine using drones to remote areas; implementing cybersecurity measures at health facilities; providing adaptation grants for EMR systems; establishing a Smart Hospital Innovation Hub; and strengthening Malaysia's participation in global digital health platforms. A drone takes off during the demonstration at a NADI centre. The initiative will also enable cloud-based systems and virtual consultation platforms to support treatment continuity, follow-up care, and medicine delivery to hard-to-reach areas. A key focus is also placed on enhancing digital health literacy among rural communities to boost public confidence in the safety and effectiveness of these services. 'MOH welcomes this partnership as it strengthens the public healthcare system through innovative, people-friendly solutions. It is a crucial approach to tackle today's healthcare challenges, especially in hard-to-access areas,' said Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad in the statement. With 1,099 Nadi centres nationwide acting as digital gateways, the public — including those in rural areas — will be able to access virtual consultations and telehealth services, furthering the national goal of '1 Individual, 1 Record' and reinforcing the digital health ecosystem. The ministry said this move also supports Malaysia's aspiration to become a regional leader in digital health and a global hub for health innovation in line with the Madani government's vision.
