Malaysia's Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad (Source: malaymail.com) Kuala Lumpur (VNA) – The hand, foot and mouth disease has broken out in Malaysia, with over 42,000 cases detected from January 1-August 3, including two fatalities, one each in Sarawak and Penang.
To prevent the diseases from spreading out, many child care centres, kindergartens and pre-schools have been closed. The total number of premises closed now stands at 601, including 257 day care centres, 290 kindergartens and pre-schools as well as several classes from 49 schools.
However, Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad said that there is no need to order a nationwide closure of schools because of the hand, foot and mouth disease.
It is important for teachers in pre-schools and nurseries to make sure everything is properly cleaned and sanitised, and parents refrain from taking their children to public crowded areas, he stressed.
Following the health ministry’s proposal, the Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF) has asked its members to allow their employees to take leave so that they can look after their children who are infected by this disease.
Dzulkefly also called on more associations, federations or employers to take similar measures as Malaysia is dealing with the disease.-VNA
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