PUTRAJAYA, May 21 — Malaysians have been urged not to panic following the Zika virus infection case in Singapore, as it is an imported and isolated case.

Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam said there is no travel restriction between Malaysia and Singapore as the situation is under control and there are no signs of the Zika virus spreading.

“It is just an isolated case and not an epidemic. If it becomes an epidemic, of course we should worry. The Singapore government is taking the necessary steps to ensure it does not spread,” he told reporters after presenting RM882,000 to temples and Indian non-governmental organisations at his office, here yesterday. 

Dr Subramaniam said the Johor Health Department will enhance the control of Aedes mosquitoes in the state, which in turn will control the spread of the Zika virus transmitted by the same vector.

On May 14, the Ministry of Health and the National Environment Agency of Singapore reported its first Zika infection case imported into the republic.

The patient is a ‘Singapore Permanent Resident’ and had made the trip to Sao Paulo, Brazil, from March 27 until May 7.

Meanwhile, Dr Subramaniam said Malaysia is ready to implement the Phase 1 Clinical Trial development blueprint through Project Realisation Phase 1 (P1RP).

Phase 1 clinical trial plays a key role in enhancing the ability of Malaysia in the development of medical science and treatment of diseases.

He said local pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical industries will gain first-hand experience in ensuring the effectiveness and safety of new medicines.

“The government is committed to develop Malaysia into an internationally renowned centre of excellence for the development of new medicine and treatment strategies.

There are multiple economic advantages in opening our doors to a new phase of studies,” he said. — Bernama