SMC, Health Ministry step up efforts after malaria detected in Sibu Jaya
SIBU (June 25): The Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) will work together with the Ministry of Health (MoH) to curb the spread of malaria and dengue, following the recent detection of malaria cases in the Townvilla B area in Sibu Jaya on June 13.
Council chairman Clarence Ting said the initiative aims to reinforce monitoring and preventive measures to ensure the disease does not re-emerge.
'Although Malaysia has successfully eradicated malaria, it is crucial that we continue to implement stringent efforts,' he said during the full council meeting earlier today.
Ting noted that malaria currently falls under the jurisdiction of the MoH but emphasised the importance of local authorities, including municipal councillors, in supporting public health measures.
He also called for stronger cooperation with the Health Ministry, stressing the importance of adherence to enforcement protocols, which have become more stringent.
'We must ensure every action is followed through with proper monitoring. Weaknesses in follow-up procedures by the council's enforcement team need to be addressed and improved,' he added.
On Tuesday, the Sibu Divisional Health Office announced that it would conduct active case detection (ACD) for malaria in the Townvilla B area of Sibu Jaya, scheduled on Wednesday and Thursday.
This involves the collection of blood samples for laboratory analysis using the Blood Film for Malaria Parasite method, a mandatory screening process that will continue until all cases are cleared. Health Ministry Malaria Sibu SMC
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