ALOR SETAR, Dec 1 — The Health Ministry (MOH) has reminded all flood relief centre operators to ensure the quality of food to avoid any case of poisoning due to tainted food.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said it is vital to ensure the safety of food quality and to control any flood-related diseases throughout the floods.
"It is paramount to ensure that there are no (food) poisoning or any flood-related diseases and for the time being there are no other diseases like leptospirosis.
"Dengue monitoring might be required after the floods; whatever it is, it is crucial that those requiring more specific treatment be transferred, for instance for hemodialysis treatment,” he told the press after visiting the relief centre at SMK Kepala Batas today.
Dr Dzulkefly noted that the MOH is currently satisfied with the management of health facilities in Kedah, as it appears that everything was under control and that the state Health Department will continue to monitor and improve their services.
Operations of facilities under the MOH that are affected by floods have also been moved to nearby locations to ensure treatment can continue as usual even in a disaster situation.
"We hope the weather will improve after this and the weather in neighbouring countries as well, so that spillage from there will not affect us that much,” he said, adding that MOH staff were instructed to assist facilities in need if required throughout the flood period.
"For instance, there might be staff sent to help in other states, or in other districts in the same state,” Dr Dzulkefly said.
The number of flood evacuees in Kedah rose to 8,754 people from 2,671 families as of this morning.
— Bernama
