SIBU: The State Public Health Committee (SPHC) is taking precautions against any possibility of the monkeypox virus reaching Sarawak shores, its chairman Michael Tiang said.
The Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government said his committee would hold its second meeting sometime in July, following its first meeting in Kuching in April 30 to reactivate the committee.
“Besides the monkeypox, SPHC will also focus on preventing a few other diseases such as dengue, rabies and hand, foot, and mouth diseases (HFMD).
“For monkeypox, we are ready for any possibility of the virus entering our state,” he said when distributing 200 dumpling cakes to the Sentosa residents on Sunday (May 29).
The event was organised by Persatuan Masyarakat Kawasan Sentosa Sibu. The dumplings were contributed by the Pelawan SUPP Service Centre.
Tiang said with the reactivated SPHC, experts, related agencies and his ministry would be able to discuss and find solutions to threatening health-related issues.
“The current hot and dry weather makes it conducive for diseases to spread easily.
“SPHC will give more attention towards diseases that are easily spread,” he said.
Deputy Premier and Public Health, Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Seri Dr Sim Kui Hian is the advisor of the committee.
Persatuan Masyarakat Kawasan Sentosa Sibu chairman Lai Chiong Ann thanked the Pelawan service centre for contributing the dumplings.
He said the initiative by Tiang enabled the local community to enjoy the dumplings in conjunction with the Dragon Boat Festival, a festival celebrated by the Chinese community at the end of May and early June.
