MALACCA, Sept 3 — Members of the public are advised not to be easily influenced by any rumour distributed via the social media on the spread of Zika virus in Malacca, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Idris Haron.
He said the public should instead refer to statements issued by the Health Ministry and check the authenticity of the rumours with relevant parties, including the state government and its Health Department, before making any assumption.
“To date, we have not received any official report from the Health Ministry or the Malacca Health Department on the virus. Wait for the official statement, do not be influenced by rumours.
“It (any rumour) can give false alarm and create uneasiness among the people in the state,” he told reporters after launching the Sungai Malacca International Festival here, early today.
He said this when asked to comment on a rumour which went viral on the social media where three family members, who had recently returned from Singapore, were now being quarantined at their home in Durian Tunggal and monitored by the Durian Tunggal Health Clinic.
Idris said the Malacca Health Department had always been monitoring and taking precautionary measures to prevent the spread of Zika virus in the state.
“We know that tourists from Singapore have gone through strict health screenings over there and in Johor Bahru before entering Malacca, but we will continue to monitor this,” he said.
Meanwhile, State Health, Sports Development and Anti-Drug Exco Datuk Ab Rahaman Ab Karim said the Malacca Health Department had stepped up stringent health screenings at all entry points in the state, namely the Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) Complex and Malacca International Airport (LTAM).
“The health screenings have been stepped up by stationing a team from the State Health Department at the CIQ and LTAM, and using thermal scanners to detect visitors with symptoms of the virus,” he said. — Bernama
