PETALING JAYA, June 24 — The Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) is concerned about the incidence of major diseases like diphtheria, Japanese encephalitis, chikungunya and hand, foot and mouth disease occurring in the country. 

Its president Dr John Chew said they viewed the deaths from diphtheria, in particular, with "deep concern” as preventive measures had been in place for at least three decades. 

"If it is due to the lowering of ‘herd immunity’ because there are pockets of population who are not immunised, then we urge all organisations and departments to work together to ensure that all infants and children get their scheduled immunisation,” he said. 

He felt the ministry should review the immunisation programme, adding that some countries even had campaigns such as "No vaccine, no school”.

On why the diseases were currently spreading in the country, Dr Chew said a possible common factor could be low socio-economic status, poor living conditions, overcrowding, poor nutrition and lack of education.

"More education and campaigns should be carried out to improve vaccination uptake and for the community to be aware of the early signs of these diseases and seek early treatment,” he said.

It was reported in October last year that more parents were refusing to immunise their children. 

The Health Ministry said the number of parents who did not immunise their children had gone up from 470 in 2013 to 1,282 last year.

Children who lack immunisation faced the risk of being stricken with preventable diseases, especially with the presence of many migrant workers here whose vaccination status is unknown.

However, in May this year, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam said there were no plans to amend laws to make immunisation compulsory.

He said the ministry had carried out various programmes to create awareness on immunisation.