Friday, 31 August 2018
Thursday, 30 August 2018
Malaysia welcomes tourists from all over the world
Malaysia welcomes tourists from all over the world
Malaysia continues to welcome tourists from all over the world, including China, without any restriction.
A statement from the Prime Minister’s office today said other than the usual immigration requirements for all foreign tourists, there are no other restrictions for anyone including visitors from China.
“Tourists from China will still be given a single-entry visa for up to 30-days stay in the country and are eligible to take up other programmes organised by the government as well,” it said.
The statement said property purchases by foreigners were also allowed irrespective of nationality but there were certain conditions imposed by the government.
“Purchase of property, however, does not guarantee automatic residency in the country. But for foreigners who wish to make Malaysia their permanent residence, they could consider the ‘ Malaysia, My Second Home (MM2H)’ programme.
”Malaysian government also welcomes foreign direct investment that contributes to the transfer of technology, provides employment for locals and the setting up of industries locally,” the statement read.
It added that last year Malaysia received 2.3 million Chinese tourists from China and it now aims to multiply the number to 10 million visitors in time to come.
Information on these programmes and conditions are available.
~News courtesy of New Straits Times~
Malaysia continues to welcome tourists from all over the world, including China, without any restriction.
A statement from the Prime Minister’s office today said other than the usual immigration requirements for all foreign tourists, there are no other restrictions for anyone including visitors from China.
“Tourists from China will still be given a single-entry visa for up to 30-days stay in the country and are eligible to take up other programmes organised by the government as well,” it said.
The statement said property purchases by foreigners were also allowed irrespective of nationality but there were certain conditions imposed by the government.
“Purchase of property, however, does not guarantee automatic residency in the country. But for foreigners who wish to make Malaysia their permanent residence, they could consider the ‘ Malaysia, My Second Home (MM2H)’ programme.
”Malaysian government also welcomes foreign direct investment that contributes to the transfer of technology, provides employment for locals and the setting up of industries locally,” the statement read.
It added that last year Malaysia received 2.3 million Chinese tourists from China and it now aims to multiply the number to 10 million visitors in time to come.
Information on these programmes and conditions are available.
~News courtesy of New Straits Times~
Johor govt mulling third M'sia-S'pore link
Johor govt mulling third Malaysia-Singapore link
The Johor government says it plans to build a third link between Malaysia and Singapore to reduce traffic congestion on the Johor Causeway.
Menteri Besar Datuk Osman Sapian said the third link, once completed, would connect Pengerang in east Johor to Pulau Ubin in Singapore.
He also said the state government will draft a proposal for the construction of the link before submitting it to the federal government for approval.
“If we look at it, Pengerang is only three kilometres away from Pulau Ubin and east Johor is experiencing rapid growth.
“We also talked about implementing a new system at the third link, where people will only need to show authorities their passports once for verification,” he said during a press conference here today.
Present was UEM Sunrise Bhd chief executive officer and managing director Anwar Syahrin Abdul Ajib.
Osman said discussions on the new link would involve several agencies, including the state Implementation and Coordination Unit.
“The discussions will also involve the Singaporean government,” he said, adding that the link may be connected to the Pulau Ubin underground tunnel.
“The state government is always thinking about Malaysian citizens who cross into Singapore for work and the existing links are congested and packed,” he added.
~News courtesy of New Straits Times~
The Johor government says it plans to build a third link between Malaysia and Singapore to reduce traffic congestion on the Johor Causeway.
Menteri Besar Datuk Osman Sapian said the third link, once completed, would connect Pengerang in east Johor to Pulau Ubin in Singapore.
He also said the state government will draft a proposal for the construction of the link before submitting it to the federal government for approval.
“If we look at it, Pengerang is only three kilometres away from Pulau Ubin and east Johor is experiencing rapid growth.
“We also talked about implementing a new system at the third link, where people will only need to show authorities their passports once for verification,” he said during a press conference here today.
Present was UEM Sunrise Bhd chief executive officer and managing director Anwar Syahrin Abdul Ajib.
Osman said discussions on the new link would involve several agencies, including the state Implementation and Coordination Unit.
“The discussions will also involve the Singaporean government,” he said, adding that the link may be connected to the Pulau Ubin underground tunnel.
“The state government is always thinking about Malaysian citizens who cross into Singapore for work and the existing links are congested and packed,” he added.
~News courtesy of New Straits Times~
S'pore, M'sia to announce joint decisions on HSR and RTS soon
Singapore, Malaysia to announce joint decisions on HSR and RTS soon: Khaw
Singapore and Malaysia will announce their joint decisions on the Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) link and Kuala Lumpur-Singapore High-Speed Rail (HSR) projects soon, said Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Minister Khaw Boon Wan on Thursday (Aug 30).
In a Facebook post recapping a meeting with Malaysia's Economic Affairs Minister Mohamed Azmin Ali, Mr Khaw said the two were "brainstorming ideas on how to further our bilateral relationship".
"There is so much we can do together, for mutual benefits. He is an inspiring leader," Mr Khaw said.
"We should be able to announce our joint decisions on RTS and HSR soon," Mr Khaw added.
Mr Azmin also posted a tweet on Thursday morning, saying: "We are inching closer to a win-win deal on HSR, thanks to the hard work of officials from both sides."
The HSR and RTS agreements were among several entered into by the Najib Razak-led government that were revisited following the opposition Pakatan Harapan's historic victory in the Malaysian general election.
In May, opposition leader and newly appointed Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad announced that the country would drop the HSR project, saying it would cost "a huge sum of money" and was not beneficial to Malaysia.
Malaysia's Transport Minister Anthony Loke, however, has said the government remains committed to the RTS, though it still needs to study the costs of the project.
In July, Dr Mahathir said his government would look to negotiate a deferment of the HSR instead.
"Having studied it and the implication of unilaterally discarding the contract, we decided we may have to do it at a later date, we may have to reduce the price. But reduction of the price is very difficult as far as we can make out. So it has to be deferred," he said.
Mr Azmin had said then that he planned to visit Singapore in the near future to discuss the status of the HSR agreement.
Dr Mahathir, who also announced in August that he was dropping the Chinese-backed East Coast Rail Link pipeline projects, as well as a natural gas pipeline project in Sabah, said after his appointment that Malaysia's debt topped RM1 trillion (S$331 billion).
He told the Financial Times in an interview that the cancellation of the HSR was necessary to "avoid being declared bankrupt".
~News courtesy of Channel News Asia~
Singapore and Malaysia will announce their joint decisions on the Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) link and Kuala Lumpur-Singapore High-Speed Rail (HSR) projects soon, said Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Minister Khaw Boon Wan on Thursday (Aug 30).
In a Facebook post recapping a meeting with Malaysia's Economic Affairs Minister Mohamed Azmin Ali, Mr Khaw said the two were "brainstorming ideas on how to further our bilateral relationship".
"There is so much we can do together, for mutual benefits. He is an inspiring leader," Mr Khaw said.
"We should be able to announce our joint decisions on RTS and HSR soon," Mr Khaw added.
Mr Azmin also posted a tweet on Thursday morning, saying: "We are inching closer to a win-win deal on HSR, thanks to the hard work of officials from both sides."
The HSR and RTS agreements were among several entered into by the Najib Razak-led government that were revisited following the opposition Pakatan Harapan's historic victory in the Malaysian general election.
In May, opposition leader and newly appointed Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad announced that the country would drop the HSR project, saying it would cost "a huge sum of money" and was not beneficial to Malaysia.
Malaysia's Transport Minister Anthony Loke, however, has said the government remains committed to the RTS, though it still needs to study the costs of the project.
In July, Dr Mahathir said his government would look to negotiate a deferment of the HSR instead.
"Having studied it and the implication of unilaterally discarding the contract, we decided we may have to do it at a later date, we may have to reduce the price. But reduction of the price is very difficult as far as we can make out. So it has to be deferred," he said.
Mr Azmin had said then that he planned to visit Singapore in the near future to discuss the status of the HSR agreement.
Dr Mahathir, who also announced in August that he was dropping the Chinese-backed East Coast Rail Link pipeline projects, as well as a natural gas pipeline project in Sabah, said after his appointment that Malaysia's debt topped RM1 trillion (S$331 billion).
He told the Financial Times in an interview that the cancellation of the HSR was necessary to "avoid being declared bankrupt".
~News courtesy of Channel News Asia~
Monday, 27 August 2018
Teh Tarik
Enjoy a good start of the day with a cuppa of our national drink, Teh Tarik which literally means 'pulled tea'. It is a hot Indian milk tea beverage.
Its name is derived from the pouring process of "pulling" the drink during preparation. It is made from black tea, condensed milk and evaporated milk.
In Malaysia, there are occasions where teh tarik brewers gather for competitions and performances to show their ability to drag a long stream of tea. ✌
~Tourism Malaysia FB~
Sunday, 26 August 2018
Longer wait to enter S'pore due to security checks for missing radioactive device
Longer wait to enter Singapore due to security checks for missing radioactive device
Motorists heading into Singapore will have to wait much longer than usual at the Causeway and Second Link after the island republic increases its security checks following the disappearance of a radioactive dispersal device (RDD) in Malaysia earlier this month.
Frequent travellers are experiencing tighter security checks by the Singapore Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) than normal when they enter the city-state.
Singapore has reportedly stepped up inspection at its checkpoints after the device containing the radioactive isotope Iridium-192 was reported missing in Malaysia on Aug 10.
Channel NewsAsia said ICA had been monitoring the case, and quoted a spokesman assuring the public that its checkpoints had the capability to detect radioactive threats.
Singaporean cabby Haniff Mahbob, 65, who drives across the Johor Straits daily, said it now takes longer for inspection by ICA.
“They not only check the boot of every car that enters the bay but the spare tyre compartment as well,” he said when met here yesterday.
Another taxi driver, a Malaysian who only wanted to be known as Ng, said the stringent checks by the ICA had caused traffic heading into Singapore to be considerably slower.
“Vehicles entering Singapore are being monitored more closely in the past two weeks.
“Sometimes, handheld devices are also used to check vehicles and travellers at the Singapore checkpoint,” he said.
Cafe supervisor Aqilah Khairrah Abd Khalid, 23, said bus passengers too are subject to tighter inspection by ICA.
“There are more Singapore Immigration officers being stationed at the Woodlands checkpoint now. They use handheld scanners on our bags and check us thoroughly,” she said.
The 23kg RDD went missing from the back of a pick-up truck as it was being transported from Seremban to Shah Alam.
~News courtesy of The Star~
Motorists heading into Singapore will have to wait much longer than usual at the Causeway and Second Link after the island republic increases its security checks following the disappearance of a radioactive dispersal device (RDD) in Malaysia earlier this month.
Frequent travellers are experiencing tighter security checks by the Singapore Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) than normal when they enter the city-state.
Singapore has reportedly stepped up inspection at its checkpoints after the device containing the radioactive isotope Iridium-192 was reported missing in Malaysia on Aug 10.
Channel NewsAsia said ICA had been monitoring the case, and quoted a spokesman assuring the public that its checkpoints had the capability to detect radioactive threats.
Singaporean cabby Haniff Mahbob, 65, who drives across the Johor Straits daily, said it now takes longer for inspection by ICA.
“They not only check the boot of every car that enters the bay but the spare tyre compartment as well,” he said when met here yesterday.
Another taxi driver, a Malaysian who only wanted to be known as Ng, said the stringent checks by the ICA had caused traffic heading into Singapore to be considerably slower.
“Vehicles entering Singapore are being monitored more closely in the past two weeks.
“Sometimes, handheld devices are also used to check vehicles and travellers at the Singapore checkpoint,” he said.
Cafe supervisor Aqilah Khairrah Abd Khalid, 23, said bus passengers too are subject to tighter inspection by ICA.
“There are more Singapore Immigration officers being stationed at the Woodlands checkpoint now. They use handheld scanners on our bags and check us thoroughly,” she said.
The 23kg RDD went missing from the back of a pick-up truck as it was being transported from Seremban to Shah Alam.
~News courtesy of The Star~
On track to hit 33.1mil tourist arrivals for 2018
Tourism Minister: Malaysia on track to hit 33.1mil tourist arrivals for 2018
Malaysia is on track to achieve its target of 33.1mil tourist arrivals for 2018, said Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Mohamaddin Ketapi.
“We are keeping the target set [by the former Government] earlier at 33.1mil. Based on the numbers so far, we are on track,” he told reporters after launching Ice Age Alive 2018 at Malaysia Tourism Centre (MaTiC) on Saturday (Aug 25).
The 2018 target was announced by the Ministry last December under the former Barisan Nasional Government.
In his speech earlier, Mohamaddin said from January to April this year, more than 8.47mil international tourists had visited Malaysia, mainly from China, South Korea, Canada and United States.
Mohamaddin also added that his Ministry is in the midst of studying all tourism projects.
“We are studying the projects and we will keep those which are beneficial. With the change of Government, it does not mean that we will cancel all projects initiated by the previous administration,” he said.
Ice Age Alive opens until Dec 31 at MaTiC, Jalan Ampang, Tuesday to Sunday and all public holidays, from 10am to 7pm.
Visitors will discover an exhibit of creatures who roamed the Earth millions of years ago including Tyrannosaurus rex (T-rex), Dodo bird, sabre-toothed cat, woolly mammoth among other exhibits.
~News courtesy of The Star~
Malaysia is on track to achieve its target of 33.1mil tourist arrivals for 2018, said Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Mohamaddin Ketapi.
“We are keeping the target set [by the former Government] earlier at 33.1mil. Based on the numbers so far, we are on track,” he told reporters after launching Ice Age Alive 2018 at Malaysia Tourism Centre (MaTiC) on Saturday (Aug 25).
The 2018 target was announced by the Ministry last December under the former Barisan Nasional Government.
In his speech earlier, Mohamaddin said from January to April this year, more than 8.47mil international tourists had visited Malaysia, mainly from China, South Korea, Canada and United States.
Mohamaddin also added that his Ministry is in the midst of studying all tourism projects.
“We are studying the projects and we will keep those which are beneficial. With the change of Government, it does not mean that we will cancel all projects initiated by the previous administration,” he said.
Ice Age Alive opens until Dec 31 at MaTiC, Jalan Ampang, Tuesday to Sunday and all public holidays, from 10am to 7pm.
Visitors will discover an exhibit of creatures who roamed the Earth millions of years ago including Tyrannosaurus rex (T-rex), Dodo bird, sabre-toothed cat, woolly mammoth among other exhibits.
~News courtesy of The Star~
Tuesday, 21 August 2018
Monday, 20 August 2018
SP Bumi Express Bus
http://www.spbumi.com.my/
Alor Setar 04 - 733 4221
Butterworth 04 - 333 3689
Johor Bahru (Larkin) 012 - 996 6031
Jerteh 09 - 697 1431
Jitra 012 - 456 2881 / 012 - 456 2681
Kuala Terengganu 09 - 623 7789 / 09 - 625 1144
Kulim 013 - 483 2383
Sungai Nibong 04 - 658 4589
Sungai Petani 04 - 421 3494
Permaisuri 09 - 609 0268
Kota Bahru 09 - 743 5666
Dungun 09 - 845 4023
Kemaman 09 - 859 3789 / 09 - 868 7499
Shah Alam / Klang 019- 273 2245
Batu Pahat 013 - 7200246
Lumut 05 - 6836052
Parit Buntar 017 - 401 2789
Taiping 05 - 891 6691 / 05 - 847 5055
Seremban 012 - 394 6855
Ipoh (Amanjaya) 017 - 437 9903
Pasir Gudang 013- 778 8447
Hentian Putra (KL) 03 - 4040 0262
Kajang 03 - 9736 9789
Melaka Sentral 016 - 680 4956
Thursday, 16 August 2018
Wednesday, 15 August 2018
Malaysia seeks KL-S‘pore HSR delay pending review
Malaysia seeks KL-S‘pore HSR delay pending review
A file picture of a KL-Singapore HSR station concept design.
SINGAPORE (The Straits Times/Asia News Network): Months after the Malaysia signalled that it was rethinking the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore High Speed Rail (HSR) link, Malaysian Economic Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali, who is in charge of the project held an official meeting with his Singapore counterpart last Saturday.
Azmin told The Straits Times that his meeting with Singapore's Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Minister Khaw Boon Wan in the Republic was "official... good and productive".
"I explained Malaysia's position on the project. The Minister for Infrastructure will have to bring it to Singapore's Cabinet," Azmin said.
A spokesman for Singapore's Ministry of Transport confirmed the meeting was held. "The ministers discussed the HSR project and agreed to continue discussions in the coming weeks," she said.
Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad's administration had initially expressed its desire to scrap the HSR project due to cost concerns after claiming that it had inherited more than RM1 trillion in debt from the previous Barisan Nasional government.
However, it later softened its stance, saying it would first have to negotiate with Singapore as there were penalties for cancelling the deal inked in December 2016.
Kuala Lumpur most recently said it would seek a deferment of the project it estimates will cost RM110bil and was originally slated to be completed in 2026.
But it had yet to convey this request formally to Singapore.
Khaw said last month that Singapore has spent more than S$250mil (RM743mil) on the project, and is likely to pour in another S$40mil (RM118mil) by the year end.
It had written officially to Malaysia in a diplomatic note on June 1 asking for clarity and a meeting to be held by July 31.
Azmin, charged with handling negotiations for Malaysia, had said he would try to meet the deadline but was busy with duties at the ongoing Parliament sitting.
In a letter to the Singapore government dated July 23, Azmin stated that the Malaysia was studying the details of the HSR project and will commence discussions with the Republic soon.
Singapore had welcomed Malaysia's suggestion to commence discussions on the project that will shorten travelling time between Kuala Lumpur and Singapore to only 90 minutes.
On Aug 6, Azmin said he had met "senior officials" in Singapore the previous weekend when he visited Malaysian Home Minister Muhyiddin Yassin, who was then hospitalised in the Republic. He said that "the official meeting will take place some time in August".
However, Singapore's Ministry of Transport said on Aug 7 that no meeting had taken place or had been scheduled between Azmin and Singapore officials overseeing the HSR. – The Straits Times/Asia News Network
A file picture of a KL-Singapore HSR station concept design.
SINGAPORE (The Straits Times/Asia News Network): Months after the Malaysia signalled that it was rethinking the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore High Speed Rail (HSR) link, Malaysian Economic Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali, who is in charge of the project held an official meeting with his Singapore counterpart last Saturday.
Azmin told The Straits Times that his meeting with Singapore's Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Minister Khaw Boon Wan in the Republic was "official... good and productive".
"I explained Malaysia's position on the project. The Minister for Infrastructure will have to bring it to Singapore's Cabinet," Azmin said.
A spokesman for Singapore's Ministry of Transport confirmed the meeting was held. "The ministers discussed the HSR project and agreed to continue discussions in the coming weeks," she said.
Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad's administration had initially expressed its desire to scrap the HSR project due to cost concerns after claiming that it had inherited more than RM1 trillion in debt from the previous Barisan Nasional government.
However, it later softened its stance, saying it would first have to negotiate with Singapore as there were penalties for cancelling the deal inked in December 2016.
Kuala Lumpur most recently said it would seek a deferment of the project it estimates will cost RM110bil and was originally slated to be completed in 2026.
But it had yet to convey this request formally to Singapore.
Khaw said last month that Singapore has spent more than S$250mil (RM743mil) on the project, and is likely to pour in another S$40mil (RM118mil) by the year end.
It had written officially to Malaysia in a diplomatic note on June 1 asking for clarity and a meeting to be held by July 31.
Azmin, charged with handling negotiations for Malaysia, had said he would try to meet the deadline but was busy with duties at the ongoing Parliament sitting.
In a letter to the Singapore government dated July 23, Azmin stated that the Malaysia was studying the details of the HSR project and will commence discussions with the Republic soon.
Singapore had welcomed Malaysia's suggestion to commence discussions on the project that will shorten travelling time between Kuala Lumpur and Singapore to only 90 minutes.
On Aug 6, Azmin said he had met "senior officials" in Singapore the previous weekend when he visited Malaysian Home Minister Muhyiddin Yassin, who was then hospitalised in the Republic. He said that "the official meeting will take place some time in August".
However, Singapore's Ministry of Transport said on Aug 7 that no meeting had taken place or had been scheduled between Azmin and Singapore officials overseeing the HSR. – The Straits Times/Asia News Network
Tuesday, 14 August 2018
Sunday, 5 August 2018
Northern Johor and Malacca FM Radio Frequencies
Coverage area: Batu Pahat, Muar, Segamat, Tangkak, Jementah, Pagoh and Malacca.
One FM 88.1
One FM 88.1
Suria FM 88.5
IKIM FM 89.5
Era FM 90.3
Mix FM 91.1
Lite FM 92.2
Hitz FM 93.0
Klasik FM 93.6
Fly FM 94.0
Best 104 FM 94.8
Asyik FM 95.6
Sinar FM 96.0
Nasional FM 96.6
Traxx FM 97.4
988 98.2
Zayan FM 98.9
Raaga 99.7
Ai FM 100.4
Melaka FM 102.3
Minnal FM 103.3
Hot FM 104.3
Johor FM 105.3
My FM 106.4
Melody FM 107.3
Negeri FM 107.7
Saturday, 4 August 2018
Nasi Lemak
Nasi lemak is a Malay fragrant rice dish cooked in coconut milk and pandan leaf. It is commonly found in Malaysia, where it is considered the national dish; it is also popular in neighbouring areas such as Singapore; Brunei, and Southern Thailand. In Indonesia it can be found in several parts of Sumatra; especially Malay realm of Riau, Riau Islands and Medan.
Nasi lemak can also be found in the Bangsamoro region of Mindanao prepared by Filipino Moro. It is considered one of the most famous dishes for a Malay-style breakfast. It is not to be confused with nasi dagang, sold in the Malaysian east coast states of Terengganu and Kelantan, although both dishes are often served for breakfast. However, because nasi lemak can be served in a variety of ways, it is often eaten throughout the day.
~Wikipedia~
Thursday, 2 August 2018
S'pore families visiting Johor need not fear HFMD if take precautions
Singapore families visiting Johor need not fear HFMD if they take precautions: State health chairman
Singapore families who travel across the Causeway for shopping and leisure activities do not need to fear their children contracting hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) if they take the necessary precautions, the state’s health, environment and agriculture executive committee chairman Sahruddin Jamal said on Thursday (Aug 2).
Speaking to Channel NewsAsia in Johor Bahru, Dr Sahruddin said there was “absolutely no issue” for families from neighbouring Singapore to enjoy Johor’s amenities and attractions provided they maintain good hygiene habits.
His comments come in the wake of local reports citing a spike in HFMD cases in Johor.
The southern Malaysian state recorded a total of 2,215 HFMD cases from Jan 1 until Jul 21 this year, up 37 per cent from the 1,607 cases recorded within the same period last year.
The increasing trend of HFMD cases was recorded across all Malaysian states, prompting the health ministry to issue a warning in June.
Last Monday, Malaysia confirmed its first fatality from HFMD after a 17-month-old boy died in Penang.
Dr Sahruddin, who is a trained medical doctor, told Channel NewsAsia that so far this year, 39 schools have been shut after at least two or three of their students contracted HFMD.
However he stressed that they would typically re-open after a couple of days of disinfection.
Dr Sahruddin also advised Singaporean families who cross the Causeway to bring along a hand sanitiser and “use it often”.
“Get the children to use it as many times as possible," said the state assemblyman for Bukit Kepong.
"Children touch things all the time - supermarket trolleys, food court tables, toys - so we must ensure they keep themselves sanitised.”
Dr Sahruddin added that if the children return home to Singapore and catch a fever, it “is important” that they see a doctor for further treatment.
Responding to a question about further preventive action if the increasing trend of HFMD cases in Johor continues, Dr Sahruddin said his office regularly sends HFMD reports to the health ministry before awaiting further instructions from the federal government.
“For now, it’s not necessary to take temperatures of children at the Causeway," he said.
"For the time being, we want to mitigate the spread of the virus, and educate families on how to prevent it."
HFMD is a viral infection which can affect both adults and children, though young children below the age of five are more susceptible, according to Singapore's Ministry of Health.
It is spread from person to person by direct contact with nasal discharge, saliva, faeces, and fluids from the rash of an infected person.
It can also spread through contact with contaminated objects and surfaces.
Source: Channel News Asia
Singapore families who travel across the Causeway for shopping and leisure activities do not need to fear their children contracting hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) if they take the necessary precautions, the state’s health, environment and agriculture executive committee chairman Sahruddin Jamal said on Thursday (Aug 2).
Speaking to Channel NewsAsia in Johor Bahru, Dr Sahruddin said there was “absolutely no issue” for families from neighbouring Singapore to enjoy Johor’s amenities and attractions provided they maintain good hygiene habits.
His comments come in the wake of local reports citing a spike in HFMD cases in Johor.
The southern Malaysian state recorded a total of 2,215 HFMD cases from Jan 1 until Jul 21 this year, up 37 per cent from the 1,607 cases recorded within the same period last year.
The increasing trend of HFMD cases was recorded across all Malaysian states, prompting the health ministry to issue a warning in June.
Last Monday, Malaysia confirmed its first fatality from HFMD after a 17-month-old boy died in Penang.
Dr Sahruddin, who is a trained medical doctor, told Channel NewsAsia that so far this year, 39 schools have been shut after at least two or three of their students contracted HFMD.
However he stressed that they would typically re-open after a couple of days of disinfection.
Dr Sahruddin also advised Singaporean families who cross the Causeway to bring along a hand sanitiser and “use it often”.
“Get the children to use it as many times as possible," said the state assemblyman for Bukit Kepong.
"Children touch things all the time - supermarket trolleys, food court tables, toys - so we must ensure they keep themselves sanitised.”
Dr Sahruddin added that if the children return home to Singapore and catch a fever, it “is important” that they see a doctor for further treatment.
Responding to a question about further preventive action if the increasing trend of HFMD cases in Johor continues, Dr Sahruddin said his office regularly sends HFMD reports to the health ministry before awaiting further instructions from the federal government.
“For now, it’s not necessary to take temperatures of children at the Causeway," he said.
"For the time being, we want to mitigate the spread of the virus, and educate families on how to prevent it."
HFMD is a viral infection which can affect both adults and children, though young children below the age of five are more susceptible, according to Singapore's Ministry of Health.
It is spread from person to person by direct contact with nasal discharge, saliva, faeces, and fluids from the rash of an infected person.
It can also spread through contact with contaminated objects and surfaces.
Source: Channel News Asia
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