Star: PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Medical Association and Koperasi Doktor Malaysia Bhd are happy with the revamp of the e-Kesihatan scheme.
Association president Datuk Dr Khoo Kah Lin said doctors should play a major role in the medical aspect of the scheme.
He said the association and the Health Ministry regularly hold discussions about the scheme over the past 12 months, and would like to meet up with the Transport Minister as well.
“We hope that while implementing the new scheme, there are sufficient safeguards to ensure orderly and ethical work practices. “The association’s technical committee has prepared a detailed format of clinical and laboratory tests relevant for screening and certification of drivers to drive commercial vehicles,” he said.
Dr Khoo agreed with removing the exclusivity of Supremme Systems, saying that all doctors registered with the Malaysian Medical Council should be allowed to carry out examinations on the drivers.
According to the cooperative’s chairman, Dr J.S. Deo, check-ups can be conducted at the cost of RM65 per driver — lower than the RM80 that Supremme Systems wanted to charge.
“We feel it is not right to make money from this. And without a middleman, we hope the Road Transport Department will have a transparent system and also incorporate a mechanism to catch medical frauds. We are willing to help,” he said.
Dr Deo said urine tests for amphetamines should be dropped from the regular check-ups and should only be requested during spot checks.
“The test is not absolute. If the driver stopped taking the drugs three to four days before a check-up, his result will be negative,” he said.
The revised scheme will allow doctors to conduct medical check-ups for commercial vehicle drivers instead of it being run solely by private company Supremme Systems Sdn Bhd.
Pan Malaysian Lorry Owners Association president Er Sui See said it was a good move to cut off the middlemen. “We don’t want anyone making money from us. And with the scheme, runners cannot cari makan anymore. This will put an end to bogus medical certificates,” he said.
Malaysian Medical News: keeping you up to date with news sourced from various online sites, put in one place for your convenience, with a searchable archive
Tuesday, October 07, 2008
White Rabbit candy test positive for melamine
Star: PETALING JAYA: Samples of White Rabbit Creamy Candy have been found to contain more than 50 times the permitted level of melamine.
Tests on Ego White Rabbit Creamy Candy samples showed that the content of melamine was 135 parts per million (ppm) compared with 2.5ppm, the level permitted by the Health Ministry.
Heath Minister Datuk Liow Tiong Lai has ordered outlets to remove the candy from their shelves and destroy all stocks.
Those found disobeying the directive can be prosecuted under the Food Act.
“The ministry has identified the product and company involved and has issued a directive to the state health departments to destroy the product,” he told reporters yesterday at the National Public Health Laboratory.
“They shouldn’t be selling it or giving it away for free. Consumers should also read food labels properly and call us if they have doubts.”
The public should also be on the alert when giving away food hampers or products from China, he said, adding that there were 64 products which have been tested and cleared by the ministry to date.
The latest 14 products to be cleared include Menthos Yogurt, Sam’s Real Scotch Milk Candy, Miow Miow Lobster Peanut Crisp, Crisp Lobster Peanut Crisp, Sanwa Strawberry, Double Lantern Peanut Cake, Daysun Rice Crisp Cheese and Tongxi Foods Chocolate Egg Rolls.
The others are Tongxi Foods Milk Chocolate Egg Roll, Hong Da Food Crisp Blue Berry Layer Biscuit, Lotte Koala Chocolate Snack, ZQ Chocolate Digest Biscuits, Frontier Chocolate Cream Centerfilled and Passion Frugurt Yogurt Style Snack.
He added that 775 product samples had been taken while 2,719 items were taken off the shelves.
On reports which appeared on the Health News and Earthtimes.org websites on Sept 26 that Pizza Hut Taiwan had found melamine at 70ppm in cheese packet made out of creamer and cheese powder, he said tests had found it to be free from the chemical.
The creamer for the cheese packet is supplied by a Malaysian company and it is also used to make products such as three-in-one instant coffee and cereal while the cheese powder is imported from New Zealand.
He said the ministry was also investigating the biscuit factories which were mentioned in media reports that Vietnam had found melamine in their products.
To expedite sample testing, the Chemistry Department, the National Public Health Laboratory, Universiti Malaya and the Doping Control Centre in Universiti Sains Malaysia have been roped in to help out.
Liow said that he hoped to have laboratories in Ipoh, Johor Baru and Kota Kinabalu to conduct testing.
He also said that the ministry would continue with its Level Four alert on fruits and vegetables from China.
Under Level Four, the products are allowed into the market but will be tested and rejected if they are found to contain melamine.
Tests on Ego White Rabbit Creamy Candy samples showed that the content of melamine was 135 parts per million (ppm) compared with 2.5ppm, the level permitted by the Health Ministry.
Heath Minister Datuk Liow Tiong Lai has ordered outlets to remove the candy from their shelves and destroy all stocks.
Those found disobeying the directive can be prosecuted under the Food Act.
“The ministry has identified the product and company involved and has issued a directive to the state health departments to destroy the product,” he told reporters yesterday at the National Public Health Laboratory.
“They shouldn’t be selling it or giving it away for free. Consumers should also read food labels properly and call us if they have doubts.”
The public should also be on the alert when giving away food hampers or products from China, he said, adding that there were 64 products which have been tested and cleared by the ministry to date.
The latest 14 products to be cleared include Menthos Yogurt, Sam’s Real Scotch Milk Candy, Miow Miow Lobster Peanut Crisp, Crisp Lobster Peanut Crisp, Sanwa Strawberry, Double Lantern Peanut Cake, Daysun Rice Crisp Cheese and Tongxi Foods Chocolate Egg Rolls.
The others are Tongxi Foods Milk Chocolate Egg Roll, Hong Da Food Crisp Blue Berry Layer Biscuit, Lotte Koala Chocolate Snack, ZQ Chocolate Digest Biscuits, Frontier Chocolate Cream Centerfilled and Passion Frugurt Yogurt Style Snack.
He added that 775 product samples had been taken while 2,719 items were taken off the shelves.
On reports which appeared on the Health News and Earthtimes.org websites on Sept 26 that Pizza Hut Taiwan had found melamine at 70ppm in cheese packet made out of creamer and cheese powder, he said tests had found it to be free from the chemical.
The creamer for the cheese packet is supplied by a Malaysian company and it is also used to make products such as three-in-one instant coffee and cereal while the cheese powder is imported from New Zealand.
He said the ministry was also investigating the biscuit factories which were mentioned in media reports that Vietnam had found melamine in their products.
To expedite sample testing, the Chemistry Department, the National Public Health Laboratory, Universiti Malaya and the Doping Control Centre in Universiti Sains Malaysia have been roped in to help out.
Liow said that he hoped to have laboratories in Ipoh, Johor Baru and Kota Kinabalu to conduct testing.
He also said that the ministry would continue with its Level Four alert on fruits and vegetables from China.
Under Level Four, the products are allowed into the market but will be tested and rejected if they are found to contain melamine.
Monday, October 06, 2008
PTA: Radiation causing pupils' nose bleeds
NST: GEORGE TOWN: Many parents are complaining that their children are suffering from nose bleeds and headaches and this has Ong Bee Lai concerned.
Ong, the SRJK (C) Shun Wu Parent-Teacher Association chairman, yesterday voiced her fears about the telecommunications antennas mounted on a giant billboard at the Scouts Headquarters in Jalan Scotland.
The school, which is situated in Jalan Air Itam, is a stone's throw from the billboard.
"I receive an average of three complaints a week from parents who say that their children have nose bleeds and headaches.
"The radiation emitted by the nearby antennas is a major factor affecting the pupils' health," she said at the site, where she was joined by some 100 residents of the nearby Desa Timur Apartments.
Ong said the billboard was five years old and the antennas had been attached to it two months ago.
"We want to ask the authorities to look into the matter to ensure telecommunication antennas are not put up in the vicinity of schools and public places."
Kebun Bunga assemblyman Jason Ong Khan Le, who was also present, said he would take up the matter with Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng.
Ong, the SRJK (C) Shun Wu Parent-Teacher Association chairman, yesterday voiced her fears about the telecommunications antennas mounted on a giant billboard at the Scouts Headquarters in Jalan Scotland.
The school, which is situated in Jalan Air Itam, is a stone's throw from the billboard.
"I receive an average of three complaints a week from parents who say that their children have nose bleeds and headaches.
"The radiation emitted by the nearby antennas is a major factor affecting the pupils' health," she said at the site, where she was joined by some 100 residents of the nearby Desa Timur Apartments.
Ong said the billboard was five years old and the antennas had been attached to it two months ago.
"We want to ask the authorities to look into the matter to ensure telecommunication antennas are not put up in the vicinity of schools and public places."
Kebun Bunga assemblyman Jason Ong Khan Le, who was also present, said he would take up the matter with Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng.
No wireless project if proven bad for health
NST: GEORGE TOWN: Penang is ready to stop the free Wireless@Penang broadband project if there is scientific proof to show that the health of the people will be adversely affected.
Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said the state government was prepared to widen its consultations to include holding public forums with non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and members of the public who were uneasy about the health risks posed by the use of wireless connections to the Internet.
"Public consultation is a continuing process even after a project is announced.
"We believe in accountability. We are open to cancelling the wireless project, which is aimed at providing free WiFi connection to the entire state within 24 months, if NGOs or any party can show incontrovertible evidence that there are harmful health risks," he said in a statement yesterday.
Last month, the state government announced the staggered implementation of wireless broadband services statewide. They are the free-of-charge WiFi and the affordably-priced wireless WiMAX.
The project is being undertaken by REDTone-Hotgate consortium and Packet One (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd.
They are service providers licensed by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and have the approval of Sirim and the Malaysian Nuclear Agency.
The Consumers Association of Penang has proposed that the project be stopped until the state government proves that it is safe.
Lim said previous informal consultations with various sectors had not indicated any controversy or opposition.
On the contrary, there had been strong support for the project because of the opportunities it would create in education and business.
Lim said prior to the launching of Wireless@Penang, his officers had consulted the MCMC and the local industry regulator, who pointed to their adherence to safety Code 6 of Health Canada, which covers RF exposure compliance of Radiocommunication Apparatus for all frequency bands.
This refers to the conclusions of the World Health Organisation (WHO) in a report that considered 10 years of research.
The report from the United Nations body stated that the amount of non-ionising radiation absorbed by a person's body from a WiFi station was less than one-fifth what they received from FM radios and TVs that surrounded them day and night.
"We are assured that the WiFi and WiMAX apparatus and equipment being used in Malaysia are within the safety guidelines."
Lim said that having a state-wide wireless network for Internet access and bringing the service to all segments of society would help the government attain its vision of transforming Penang into an international city, one that was a location of choice for investors, destination of choice for tourists and habitat of choice for residents desiring sustainable living.
"Nevertheless, for the purpose of public education, the state government will make available the various research papers pertaining to public concern over RF radiation that have been wrongly linked to WiFi and WiMAX."
The chief minister added that should there be proof to show that the WHO report and studies made by others were wrong, the state government would immediately cancel and abandon the project.
Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said the state government was prepared to widen its consultations to include holding public forums with non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and members of the public who were uneasy about the health risks posed by the use of wireless connections to the Internet.
"Public consultation is a continuing process even after a project is announced.
"We believe in accountability. We are open to cancelling the wireless project, which is aimed at providing free WiFi connection to the entire state within 24 months, if NGOs or any party can show incontrovertible evidence that there are harmful health risks," he said in a statement yesterday.
Last month, the state government announced the staggered implementation of wireless broadband services statewide. They are the free-of-charge WiFi and the affordably-priced wireless WiMAX.
The project is being undertaken by REDTone-Hotgate consortium and Packet One (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd.
They are service providers licensed by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) and have the approval of Sirim and the Malaysian Nuclear Agency.
The Consumers Association of Penang has proposed that the project be stopped until the state government proves that it is safe.
Lim said previous informal consultations with various sectors had not indicated any controversy or opposition.
On the contrary, there had been strong support for the project because of the opportunities it would create in education and business.
Lim said prior to the launching of Wireless@Penang, his officers had consulted the MCMC and the local industry regulator, who pointed to their adherence to safety Code 6 of Health Canada, which covers RF exposure compliance of Radiocommunication Apparatus for all frequency bands.
This refers to the conclusions of the World Health Organisation (WHO) in a report that considered 10 years of research.
The report from the United Nations body stated that the amount of non-ionising radiation absorbed by a person's body from a WiFi station was less than one-fifth what they received from FM radios and TVs that surrounded them day and night.
"We are assured that the WiFi and WiMAX apparatus and equipment being used in Malaysia are within the safety guidelines."
Lim said that having a state-wide wireless network for Internet access and bringing the service to all segments of society would help the government attain its vision of transforming Penang into an international city, one that was a location of choice for investors, destination of choice for tourists and habitat of choice for residents desiring sustainable living.
"Nevertheless, for the purpose of public education, the state government will make available the various research papers pertaining to public concern over RF radiation that have been wrongly linked to WiFi and WiMAX."
The chief minister added that should there be proof to show that the WHO report and studies made by others were wrong, the state government would immediately cancel and abandon the project.
Penang’s WiFi forum
Star: GEORGE TOWN: The Penang government will hold a forum to discuss the concerns raised over its plan for free wireless Internet access throughout the state.
Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said the forum, to be held soon, was part of the state’s efforts to educate the public on wireless Internet usage and implementation, especially with regards to health issues.
He said the forum would address objections raised by non-governmental organisations on the wireless broadband project aimed at providing free round-the-clock WiFi connection in the state.
He said he had instructed “tech-savvy” MP Jeff Ooi to organise the forum. “We will make available various research papers on radio frequency (RF) radiation that has been wrongly linked to WiFi and WiMAX,” he said.
“We are receptive to public requests for continued consultative and educational sessions with the government pertaining to the implementation of the free Wireless@PENANG project. Public consultation is a continuing process even after a project is announced.”
Lim said the state government would cancel the project “if there is scientific proof that the people’s health will be adversely affected by the wireless network”.
He expressed regret that efforts to make Penang the first WiFi state in Malaysia had been equated with the proposed RM25bil Penang Global City Centre (PGCC) project by the previous government.
“PGCC merely enriched one company and did not benefit the people. But the two companies undertaking this wireless effort will not be paid any money by the state or its people,” he noted.
Meanwhile, Kebun Bunga assemblyman Jason Ong said concerns over the RF antenna erected at the Penang Scouts Association headquarters would be looked into.
According to SJKC Shang Wu Parent-Teacher Association chairman Ong Bee Lay, there had been an increase in the number of students complaining of headaches and nose bleeds recently.
“The RF antenna was put up a few months ago. While there is no concrete evidence to show a link between the antenna and the children’s health, we cannot take any risk. There are several schools in the area, and their health must be a priority,” she said.
About 20 residents turned up at the headquarters to highlight their concern.
Desa Timur Apartment Residents Association treasurer S. Thanneer-malai said the residents were concerned the RF antenna could be harmful to their health.
Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said the forum, to be held soon, was part of the state’s efforts to educate the public on wireless Internet usage and implementation, especially with regards to health issues.
He said the forum would address objections raised by non-governmental organisations on the wireless broadband project aimed at providing free round-the-clock WiFi connection in the state.
He said he had instructed “tech-savvy” MP Jeff Ooi to organise the forum. “We will make available various research papers on radio frequency (RF) radiation that has been wrongly linked to WiFi and WiMAX,” he said.
“We are receptive to public requests for continued consultative and educational sessions with the government pertaining to the implementation of the free Wireless@PENANG project. Public consultation is a continuing process even after a project is announced.”
Lim said the state government would cancel the project “if there is scientific proof that the people’s health will be adversely affected by the wireless network”.
He expressed regret that efforts to make Penang the first WiFi state in Malaysia had been equated with the proposed RM25bil Penang Global City Centre (PGCC) project by the previous government.
“PGCC merely enriched one company and did not benefit the people. But the two companies undertaking this wireless effort will not be paid any money by the state or its people,” he noted.
Meanwhile, Kebun Bunga assemblyman Jason Ong said concerns over the RF antenna erected at the Penang Scouts Association headquarters would be looked into.
According to SJKC Shang Wu Parent-Teacher Association chairman Ong Bee Lay, there had been an increase in the number of students complaining of headaches and nose bleeds recently.
“The RF antenna was put up a few months ago. While there is no concrete evidence to show a link between the antenna and the children’s health, we cannot take any risk. There are several schools in the area, and their health must be a priority,” she said.
About 20 residents turned up at the headquarters to highlight their concern.
Desa Timur Apartment Residents Association treasurer S. Thanneer-malai said the residents were concerned the RF antenna could be harmful to their health.
e-Kesihatan plan taken away from private firm and could be cheaper
Star: KUALA LUMPUR: The Government will scrap the controversial plan to allow a private company to run its medical check-up scheme for commercial vehicle drivers.
The scheme, called e-Kesihatan, will instead be handled by the Road Transport Department (JPJ).
Under the revamp, the fees for medical check-ups would be lower than the RM80 proposed earlier, the tests would only cover relevant ones, and more doctors and not just a selected panel would be allowed to conduct the medical check-ups.
Transport Minister Datuk Ong Tee Keat said he held discussions with various parties including the Economic Planning Unit (EPU), Health Ministry, industry players and the medical fraternity before revamping the scheme.
He said weaknesses in the original e-Kesihatan scheme were identified and improved upon.
The original e-Kesihatan programme, which was to have started on Oct 1 last year, would have seen medical check-up results of commercial vehicle drivers being electronically transmitted from panel clinics and laboratories to JPJ.
The JPJ would then issue or renew a licence once the medical check-up result is seen.
The concession for the scheme was given to Supremme Systems Sdn Bhd, which was also allowed to maintain a database of the drivers.
The move to appoint Supremme Systems as well as the limited number of panel clinics and the high fees for check-ups drew criticism from the Malaysian Medical Association and associations representing the commercial vehicle drivers.
The opposition resulted in the ministry shelving the scheme.
The e-Kesihatan scheme was originally proposed to curb fraud in commercial vehicle driver medical check-ups where medical approvals were said to be “sold”.
Ong said with the revocation of the private company’s role in the scheme, certain legal aspects had to be sorted out.
Ong said the programme would now be expanded to accommodate any doctor registered with the Health Ministry. “We want to do it in a way where it is not monopolised by groups or cartels,” he said.
Ong also wanted the fees to be revised downwards from the earlier RM80.
He said the format and content of the medical tests would also be revised to ensure that only relevant tests were carried out.
Ong said he expected JPJ to finalise the programme by the end of the year, after which it would be tabled to the Cabinet and rolled out early next year.
“JPJ must reconstitute their entire format and modus operandi before submitting the proposal to me for consideration,” he said.
The scheme, called e-Kesihatan, will instead be handled by the Road Transport Department (JPJ).
Under the revamp, the fees for medical check-ups would be lower than the RM80 proposed earlier, the tests would only cover relevant ones, and more doctors and not just a selected panel would be allowed to conduct the medical check-ups.
Transport Minister Datuk Ong Tee Keat said he held discussions with various parties including the Economic Planning Unit (EPU), Health Ministry, industry players and the medical fraternity before revamping the scheme.
He said weaknesses in the original e-Kesihatan scheme were identified and improved upon.
The original e-Kesihatan programme, which was to have started on Oct 1 last year, would have seen medical check-up results of commercial vehicle drivers being electronically transmitted from panel clinics and laboratories to JPJ.
The JPJ would then issue or renew a licence once the medical check-up result is seen.
The concession for the scheme was given to Supremme Systems Sdn Bhd, which was also allowed to maintain a database of the drivers.
The move to appoint Supremme Systems as well as the limited number of panel clinics and the high fees for check-ups drew criticism from the Malaysian Medical Association and associations representing the commercial vehicle drivers.
The opposition resulted in the ministry shelving the scheme.
The e-Kesihatan scheme was originally proposed to curb fraud in commercial vehicle driver medical check-ups where medical approvals were said to be “sold”.
Ong said with the revocation of the private company’s role in the scheme, certain legal aspects had to be sorted out.
Ong said the programme would now be expanded to accommodate any doctor registered with the Health Ministry. “We want to do it in a way where it is not monopolised by groups or cartels,” he said.
Ong also wanted the fees to be revised downwards from the earlier RM80.
He said the format and content of the medical tests would also be revised to ensure that only relevant tests were carried out.
Ong said he expected JPJ to finalise the programme by the end of the year, after which it would be tabled to the Cabinet and rolled out early next year.
“JPJ must reconstitute their entire format and modus operandi before submitting the proposal to me for consideration,” he said.
Sunday, October 05, 2008
Liow: Melamine is at permissible level
NST: KOTA KINABALU: Food containing 2.5 parts per million (ppm) or less of melamine is acceptable, Health Minister Datuk Liow Tiong Lai said yesterday.
For baby food, the permissible level is 1ppm.
Melamine is used in the manufacture of plastics.
"So far, all the products we have tested have melamine within the permissible level," Liow said after attending the state MCA annual congress here.
Liow assured the public that small amounts of melamine in food products was safe for consumption.
There was bound to be some transfer of melamine to food products wrapped in plastic, he said.
The European Union countries allowed 30ppm of melamine in all food products.
Melamine-tainted milk products in China have the chemical compound at 2,653ppm.
Meanwhile, the Health Ministry is now on high alert over melamine-tainted vegetables imported from China.
"We have learnt from Korea that it has detected a high level of melamine in vegetables from China.
"We have started a level four check on all food products from China where we will take samples to ensure they are safe for consumption before releasing them into the market.
"Products from China are still being examined. Today (yesterday), the Korean government announced that fruits and vegetables from China contain melamine, so we will be asking them for details."
For baby food, the permissible level is 1ppm.
Melamine is used in the manufacture of plastics.
"So far, all the products we have tested have melamine within the permissible level," Liow said after attending the state MCA annual congress here.
Liow assured the public that small amounts of melamine in food products was safe for consumption.
There was bound to be some transfer of melamine to food products wrapped in plastic, he said.
The European Union countries allowed 30ppm of melamine in all food products.
Melamine-tainted milk products in China have the chemical compound at 2,653ppm.
Meanwhile, the Health Ministry is now on high alert over melamine-tainted vegetables imported from China.
"We have learnt from Korea that it has detected a high level of melamine in vegetables from China.
"We have started a level four check on all food products from China where we will take samples to ensure they are safe for consumption before releasing them into the market.
"Products from China are still being examined. Today (yesterday), the Korean government announced that fruits and vegetables from China contain melamine, so we will be asking them for details."
Death of boy sparks HFMD fear
NST: KUCHING: The death of a 4-year-old boy in Sibu on Thursday from suspected hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) has sparked fears of a new outbreak of the disease.
HFMD, a common acute viral illness that primarily affects infants and young children, killed 39 children in Sarawak during an outbreak in 1997.
The state's deputy director of the Health Department, Raja Lope Ahmad Raja Ariffin, confirmed that the pre-schooler had "clinical symptoms of HFMD".
"There were rashes on the boy's hands and feet, ulcers in his mouth, loss of appetite and high fever.
"However, it could not be ascertained if he had died of HFMD until tests of samples taken from him are completed," he said yesterday.
The tests were done at the Unimas medical laboratory and Raja Lope said the results should be known in a week's time.
A local newspaper reported the boy fell ill on Sept 29 but was only brought to Sibu general hospital on Oct 1 in an "extremely weak" condition with high fever. He died at 4.50pm in the intensive care unit the next day.
Bukit Assek assemblyman Wong Ho Leng, in a news conference on Friday, called on the Health Department to be transparent about the death.
The DAP representative claimed that there was an attempt to cover up the cause of the death by the department.
Minister of Environment and Public Health Datuk Seri Wong Soon Koh dismissed the claim and said they were waiting for result of the tests.
The department had reportedly sanitised the boy's home as his 6-year-old sister was also suffering from the same symptoms.
HFMD is an endemic disease. A total of 6,571 cases have been reported at clinics and hospitals throughout the state this year.
HFMD, a common acute viral illness that primarily affects infants and young children, killed 39 children in Sarawak during an outbreak in 1997.
The state's deputy director of the Health Department, Raja Lope Ahmad Raja Ariffin, confirmed that the pre-schooler had "clinical symptoms of HFMD".
"There were rashes on the boy's hands and feet, ulcers in his mouth, loss of appetite and high fever.
"However, it could not be ascertained if he had died of HFMD until tests of samples taken from him are completed," he said yesterday.
The tests were done at the Unimas medical laboratory and Raja Lope said the results should be known in a week's time.
A local newspaper reported the boy fell ill on Sept 29 but was only brought to Sibu general hospital on Oct 1 in an "extremely weak" condition with high fever. He died at 4.50pm in the intensive care unit the next day.
Bukit Assek assemblyman Wong Ho Leng, in a news conference on Friday, called on the Health Department to be transparent about the death.
The DAP representative claimed that there was an attempt to cover up the cause of the death by the department.
Minister of Environment and Public Health Datuk Seri Wong Soon Koh dismissed the claim and said they were waiting for result of the tests.
The department had reportedly sanitised the boy's home as his 6-year-old sister was also suffering from the same symptoms.
HFMD is an endemic disease. A total of 6,571 cases have been reported at clinics and hospitals throughout the state this year.
Thursday, October 02, 2008
Women and Child Hospital project delayed
NST: The completion of the Women and Child Hospital project in the Kuala Lumpur Hospital (HKL) complex has been delayed due to the current economic situation.
Deputy Health Minister Datuk Dr Abdul Latiff Ahmad said the Economic Planning Unit of the Prime Minister’s Department would have to decide whether or not to continue the programme or postpone it to the 10th Malaysia Plan.
Speaking after handing out Hari Raya gift packets at the maternity ward on Wednesday, he said phase one had been completed with the acquisition of land.
Under phase two, the existing 250 beds in the maternity hospital would be increased to 600.
Asked about staff support, he said there were ongoing programmes to train the nursing staff and specialists.
Currently, some 40 to 50 babies are delivered daily, accounting for some 16,000 babies annually.
By Wednesday afternoon, the stork delivered 11 babies — five girls and six boys.
Dr Latiff said that the 2,350-bed HKL, the largest in Southeast Asia, aims to be a centre of excellence and provide from primary to tertiary healthcare to patients.
Meanwhile, HKL chief dietician Tan Yoke Hwa advised all new mothers to practice exclusive breast-feeding as mother’s milk was the best and most complete food for babies.
“The biggest resistance to the breast-feeding programme is the lack of motivation among mothers and their giving up easily when insufficient milk is produced.
“Breast-fed babies have the least health problems as human milk has a lot of antibodies that formula milk cannot provide,” she said.
Deputy Health Minister Datuk Dr Abdul Latiff Ahmad said the Economic Planning Unit of the Prime Minister’s Department would have to decide whether or not to continue the programme or postpone it to the 10th Malaysia Plan.
Speaking after handing out Hari Raya gift packets at the maternity ward on Wednesday, he said phase one had been completed with the acquisition of land.
Under phase two, the existing 250 beds in the maternity hospital would be increased to 600.
Asked about staff support, he said there were ongoing programmes to train the nursing staff and specialists.
Currently, some 40 to 50 babies are delivered daily, accounting for some 16,000 babies annually.
By Wednesday afternoon, the stork delivered 11 babies — five girls and six boys.
Dr Latiff said that the 2,350-bed HKL, the largest in Southeast Asia, aims to be a centre of excellence and provide from primary to tertiary healthcare to patients.
Meanwhile, HKL chief dietician Tan Yoke Hwa advised all new mothers to practice exclusive breast-feeding as mother’s milk was the best and most complete food for babies.
“The biggest resistance to the breast-feeding programme is the lack of motivation among mothers and their giving up easily when insufficient milk is produced.
“Breast-fed babies have the least health problems as human milk has a lot of antibodies that formula milk cannot provide,” she said.
Ministry to look at alternate funding for new hospital
Star: KUALA LUMPUR: The Health Ministry will seek alternative funding via Private Financing Initiatives for the development of the Women and Children’s Hospital near the Kuala Lumpur Hospital (HKL).
Deputy Health Minister Datuk Dr Abdul Latif Ahmad said the ministry would try to obtain financial support through this “unconventional” means due to the current tight economic situation.
“If we pushed this project to be financed under the 10th Malaysia Plan (10MP), then it would seem that we were running away from our problems,” Dr Abdul Latif told reporters after meeting patients in the HKL maternity ward for Hari Raya on Wednesday.
The hospital, originally budgeted for under the 9MP, would cost about RM700mil and consist of 600 beds.
Health Minister Datuk Liow Tiong Lai had said on Tuesday that RM300mil was cut from the ministry’s budget under the 9MP, causing certain projects to be pushed to the 10MP.
HKL delivers 16,000 babies a year and currently has 250 beds in its maternity section.
Deputy Health Minister Datuk Dr Abdul Latif Ahmad said the ministry would try to obtain financial support through this “unconventional” means due to the current tight economic situation.
“If we pushed this project to be financed under the 10th Malaysia Plan (10MP), then it would seem that we were running away from our problems,” Dr Abdul Latif told reporters after meeting patients in the HKL maternity ward for Hari Raya on Wednesday.
The hospital, originally budgeted for under the 9MP, would cost about RM700mil and consist of 600 beds.
Health Minister Datuk Liow Tiong Lai had said on Tuesday that RM300mil was cut from the ministry’s budget under the 9MP, causing certain projects to be pushed to the 10MP.
HKL delivers 16,000 babies a year and currently has 250 beds in its maternity section.
More labs to be set up for testing melamine
Star: KUALA LUMPUR: The Health Ministry will set up its own laboratories as current melamine tests are proceeding “too slowly.”
Its minister Datuk Liow Tiong Lai said that of 866 product samples which have been taken, only 26 have been tested and found to be melamine-free.
“That’s too slow. So we are going to set up labs in every state because there are a lot of samples and the (Chemistry Department) lab cannot cope.
“We don’t want the people to have to wait,” he told reporters at the Prime Minister’s Hari Raya open house at Putra World Trade Centre here on Wednesday.
The ministry will set up more than 13 labs, and will also get the aid of Universiti Sains Malaysia, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia and Universiti Malaya.
“These are qualified labs. They have the equipment and they have the capability,” Liow said.
He also asked the public not to panic if they found small portions of melamine in their food, as long as they were within the permissible level.
“European Union countries allow 30 parts per million (ppm) of melamine in all food products.
“When a food product is wrapped in plastic, there may be some transfer of melamine to the food. But if it’s in small amounts then it’s still safe as our bodies should be able to excrete it,” he said.
He said the melamine-tainted milk products in China were at dangerous levels of about 2,653ppm.
Its minister Datuk Liow Tiong Lai said that of 866 product samples which have been taken, only 26 have been tested and found to be melamine-free.
“That’s too slow. So we are going to set up labs in every state because there are a lot of samples and the (Chemistry Department) lab cannot cope.
“We don’t want the people to have to wait,” he told reporters at the Prime Minister’s Hari Raya open house at Putra World Trade Centre here on Wednesday.
The ministry will set up more than 13 labs, and will also get the aid of Universiti Sains Malaysia, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia and Universiti Malaya.
“These are qualified labs. They have the equipment and they have the capability,” Liow said.
He also asked the public not to panic if they found small portions of melamine in their food, as long as they were within the permissible level.
“European Union countries allow 30 parts per million (ppm) of melamine in all food products.
“When a food product is wrapped in plastic, there may be some transfer of melamine to the food. But if it’s in small amounts then it’s still safe as our bodies should be able to excrete it,” he said.
He said the melamine-tainted milk products in China were at dangerous levels of about 2,653ppm.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Malaysians not ready to let Internet play doctor
NST: KUALA LUMPUR: Politics is not the only hot topic on the Internet: many Malaysians also turn to the World Wide Web for a first opinion on health ailments.
A survey shows that more than a third of Malaysians believe that Internet information will improve their knowledge and ability in caring for their health.
But doctors remain the number one source of advice on health for 52 per cent of the 500 adult Internet users surveyed in Malaysia.
More than half the Malaysians who responded to the global online survey, conducted in April by the Nielsen Company with the Association of the European Self-Medication Industry, hoped more health education was made available to them.
A total of 28,253 Internet users in 51 countries were interviewed to decipher consumer attitudes and consumption habits of non-prescription medicines as well as cultural factors that influence consumer behaviour towards self-medication and treatment of minor ailments.
Nielson Company Malaysia managing director Paul Richmond said: "At a time when governments all over the world are increasingly looking for consumers to take responsibility for their health and self-care, consumers still expect their doctor to play a key role in helping them to take better care of their health and minor ailments.
"When asked what would help them in understanding treatment of minor ailments in the future, one in two people said they would like more support from their doctor."
Consumers in Asia Pacific (57 per cent) led by Hong Kong, Korea and the Philippines topped global rankings in wanting more advice and support from their doctor, while 53 per cent of Latin Americans said they would like more health education.
Emerging markets in Latin America and Central and Eastern Europe topped global rankings for wanting clearer labelling and information on packaging.
The survey also showed that 65 per cent of Malaysians would rather wait to see if a minor ailment gets better on its own before treating it, while 30 per cent instantly self-medicate at the first sign of sickness.
A minority of five per cent would let their body fight the illness and not take medicine at all.
Richmond said the Malaysian results were in line with international insights which saw 65 per cent of respondents preferring to monitor their symptoms first before taking medicines for minor ailments, particularly in Korea, Germany, Austria and Denmark.
"Conversely, three in 10 global consumers take medication for such minor ailments as head-aches, colds and indigestion as soon as they start to feel unwell.
"This is most common in Central and Eastern European countries and also above average in Latin America and North America."
Richmond said a Nielson healthcare survey last year showed that headache, cold, backache and sleeping problems were the most common ailments globally.
"Malaysians were more susceptible to heartburn and flu, with about four in 10 having suffered from either one within a month prior to the survey."
"Our latest consumer survey demonstrated a need and demand for more health education and communication from all sectors of the healthcare industry, from doctors and pharmacists to over-the-counter medicines manufacturers and health media, to help consumers understand treatment of minor ailments and medicines better.
"Malaysians in particular aren't about to dice with danger when it comes to choosing a non-prescription medicine to treat minor ailments, with 59 per cent ranking 'safety' as a priority.
"Another 47 per cent relied on confidence in the product while 37 per cent banked on the effectiveness of the medicines."
A survey shows that more than a third of Malaysians believe that Internet information will improve their knowledge and ability in caring for their health.
But doctors remain the number one source of advice on health for 52 per cent of the 500 adult Internet users surveyed in Malaysia.
More than half the Malaysians who responded to the global online survey, conducted in April by the Nielsen Company with the Association of the European Self-Medication Industry, hoped more health education was made available to them.
A total of 28,253 Internet users in 51 countries were interviewed to decipher consumer attitudes and consumption habits of non-prescription medicines as well as cultural factors that influence consumer behaviour towards self-medication and treatment of minor ailments.
Nielson Company Malaysia managing director Paul Richmond said: "At a time when governments all over the world are increasingly looking for consumers to take responsibility for their health and self-care, consumers still expect their doctor to play a key role in helping them to take better care of their health and minor ailments.
"When asked what would help them in understanding treatment of minor ailments in the future, one in two people said they would like more support from their doctor."
Consumers in Asia Pacific (57 per cent) led by Hong Kong, Korea and the Philippines topped global rankings in wanting more advice and support from their doctor, while 53 per cent of Latin Americans said they would like more health education.
Emerging markets in Latin America and Central and Eastern Europe topped global rankings for wanting clearer labelling and information on packaging.
The survey also showed that 65 per cent of Malaysians would rather wait to see if a minor ailment gets better on its own before treating it, while 30 per cent instantly self-medicate at the first sign of sickness.
A minority of five per cent would let their body fight the illness and not take medicine at all.
Richmond said the Malaysian results were in line with international insights which saw 65 per cent of respondents preferring to monitor their symptoms first before taking medicines for minor ailments, particularly in Korea, Germany, Austria and Denmark.
"Conversely, three in 10 global consumers take medication for such minor ailments as head-aches, colds and indigestion as soon as they start to feel unwell.
"This is most common in Central and Eastern European countries and also above average in Latin America and North America."
Richmond said a Nielson healthcare survey last year showed that headache, cold, backache and sleeping problems were the most common ailments globally.
"Malaysians were more susceptible to heartburn and flu, with about four in 10 having suffered from either one within a month prior to the survey."
"Our latest consumer survey demonstrated a need and demand for more health education and communication from all sectors of the healthcare industry, from doctors and pharmacists to over-the-counter medicines manufacturers and health media, to help consumers understand treatment of minor ailments and medicines better.
"Malaysians in particular aren't about to dice with danger when it comes to choosing a non-prescription medicine to treat minor ailments, with 59 per cent ranking 'safety' as a priority.
"Another 47 per cent relied on confidence in the product while 37 per cent banked on the effectiveness of the medicines."
Health Ministry to source for more funds
Star: KOTA TINGGI: Health Minister Datuk Liow Tiong Lai will appeal to the Ministry of Finance to allow his ministry to adopt the Private Financing Initiative (PFI) for urgent projects, after the ministry’s budget was slashed.
Liow said that through PFI, the ministry could obtain enough funds to carry out vital projects at government hospitals where some of the development plans were recently postponed.
“A total of RM300mil was cut from the ministry’s budget under the Ninth Malaysia Plan, pushing some projects to the Tenth Malaysia Plan.
“But from my visits to the hospitals, I found out that some of the projects need to materialise as soon as possible,” he said.
During his visit to the Hospital Kota Tinggi here yesterday for instance, he noted an urgent need for an emergency room.
Liow said it was not conducive for the hospital’s emergency room, outpatient waiting area and pharmacy to be in the same area but this was the case here.
“If an emergency case arises, it will cause panic among the public who are here to get their medication,” he said.
Liow also reminded the hospital employees to be caring to their patients and carry out their duties professionally.
He told them not to have a territorial mindset.
“Teamwork is very important because in the end, it is the entire performance of the hospital that is judged by the people,” he said.
Liow said that through PFI, the ministry could obtain enough funds to carry out vital projects at government hospitals where some of the development plans were recently postponed.
“A total of RM300mil was cut from the ministry’s budget under the Ninth Malaysia Plan, pushing some projects to the Tenth Malaysia Plan.
“But from my visits to the hospitals, I found out that some of the projects need to materialise as soon as possible,” he said.
During his visit to the Hospital Kota Tinggi here yesterday for instance, he noted an urgent need for an emergency room.
Liow said it was not conducive for the hospital’s emergency room, outpatient waiting area and pharmacy to be in the same area but this was the case here.
“If an emergency case arises, it will cause panic among the public who are here to get their medication,” he said.
Liow also reminded the hospital employees to be caring to their patients and carry out their duties professionally.
He told them not to have a territorial mindset.
“Teamwork is very important because in the end, it is the entire performance of the hospital that is judged by the people,” he said.
Monday, September 29, 2008
Penang resort hospital to be ready in 2011
Star: GEORGE TOWN: A specialist centre cum resort providing Western and Eastern medical and homeopathy treatment -- touted to be the first in Asia -- will be built in Batu Kawan in Penang.
Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said the Farrali International Specialist Hospital and Wellness Resort (FISH-WR) to be completed by 2011 would attract more medical tourists to Penang.
He said medical tourism would be further developed to increase the state tourism’s contribution to the GDP from 22% to 30% by 2013.
“Medical tourism’s potential has increased since people discovered they can enjoy five-star medical treatment at affordable costs at different locations in the world.
“We do not want to be left out of this industry and FISH-WR will make medical tourism a success in Penang,” he said at the agreement signing ceremony between Penang Develop- ment Corporation and Farrali Mutiara Medical Group (KPFM).
Lim, who is chairman of the corporation, said the state-of-the-art FISH-WR would change the country’s medical tourism landscape and set itself apart from other healthcare centres focusing on medical tourism.
To be built by the 100% Bumiputra-owned KPFM, the 60,703 sq m hospital will be a leading diabetic and cancer care centre in the region and provide complementary healing methods like acupuncture and ayurvedic treatments.
Other facilities include 200 service apartments, 30 floating chalets, 100 hotel rooms and a nursing institute run by an established international nursing college to provide education and training in the field.
KPFM chief executive officer Dr Mohd Ghouse Mohd Noor said the RM300mil project would be completed in 2011 and create 300 jobs in the early stages.
Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said the Farrali International Specialist Hospital and Wellness Resort (FISH-WR) to be completed by 2011 would attract more medical tourists to Penang.
He said medical tourism would be further developed to increase the state tourism’s contribution to the GDP from 22% to 30% by 2013.
“Medical tourism’s potential has increased since people discovered they can enjoy five-star medical treatment at affordable costs at different locations in the world.
“We do not want to be left out of this industry and FISH-WR will make medical tourism a success in Penang,” he said at the agreement signing ceremony between Penang Develop- ment Corporation and Farrali Mutiara Medical Group (KPFM).
Lim, who is chairman of the corporation, said the state-of-the-art FISH-WR would change the country’s medical tourism landscape and set itself apart from other healthcare centres focusing on medical tourism.
To be built by the 100% Bumiputra-owned KPFM, the 60,703 sq m hospital will be a leading diabetic and cancer care centre in the region and provide complementary healing methods like acupuncture and ayurvedic treatments.
Other facilities include 200 service apartments, 30 floating chalets, 100 hotel rooms and a nursing institute run by an established international nursing college to provide education and training in the field.
KPFM chief executive officer Dr Mohd Ghouse Mohd Noor said the RM300mil project would be completed in 2011 and create 300 jobs in the early stages.
Melamine fears unfounded
Star: PETALING JAYA: The recent melamine-in-milk scare has caused another round of panic among consumers, who worry that using melamine made utensils would poison their food.
While experts have said there should be no cause for undue concern, consumer officials advised the people to stop using plastics to wrap food.
Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) adviser Dr T. Jayabalan, who is a member of the National Poison Centre, said melamine ware such as plates and ladles were safe for use, “and would not result in death.”
“Even if the melamine utensils leach residue due to extremely high temperatures, it is in a very tiny quantity,” added Dr Jayabalan, who likened this amount to a cube of sugar in a lake.
Melamine is used to make plastic kitchen utensils and plates which are similar in appearance to porcelain.
It is a thermosetting plastic which does not modify in form until exposed to a temperature of above 200°C.
However, Dr Jayabalan urged consumers to avoid using plastic bags, polystyrene boxes and cling wrap to package their food.
“When exposed to high heat from food, the plastic could leach and release chemicals which may disrupt the human reproductive system and affect hormone production,” he said.
“We may not be able to see the effects immediately, but our children will be at risk of mutation and even sex changes,” added Dr Jayabalan, who is also a National Poison Centre member.
Muslim Consumer Association of Malaysia secretary-general Datuk Dr Ma’amor Osman advised consumers to stay away from plastic completely, be it dining in restaurants or buying back food.
“Consumers should use their own containers such as stainless steel tins if they want to bring food home and request for clay or glass cutlery in restaurants,” he said.
“It is our right as a consumer to be served in a good and healthy way,” added Dr Ma’amor.
He said labels should be placed on containers to clearly state any warnings, what it is made of and whether it is microwave-safe.
Fomca chief executive officer Mohd Yusof Abdul Rahman hoped the authorities would conduct more research to determine what is safe for consumers to ease their doubts.
“The Government could also ask hawkers and traders to abstain from using plastic for the time being as it may be hazardous to health,” he added.
Char koay teow seller Lim Cheng Joo, 35, said customers were being health conscious by bringing their own metal containers for take-aways instead of accepting plastic bags and polystyrene boxes.
While experts have said there should be no cause for undue concern, consumer officials advised the people to stop using plastics to wrap food.
Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) adviser Dr T. Jayabalan, who is a member of the National Poison Centre, said melamine ware such as plates and ladles were safe for use, “and would not result in death.”
“Even if the melamine utensils leach residue due to extremely high temperatures, it is in a very tiny quantity,” added Dr Jayabalan, who likened this amount to a cube of sugar in a lake.
Melamine is used to make plastic kitchen utensils and plates which are similar in appearance to porcelain.
It is a thermosetting plastic which does not modify in form until exposed to a temperature of above 200°C.
However, Dr Jayabalan urged consumers to avoid using plastic bags, polystyrene boxes and cling wrap to package their food.
“When exposed to high heat from food, the plastic could leach and release chemicals which may disrupt the human reproductive system and affect hormone production,” he said.
“We may not be able to see the effects immediately, but our children will be at risk of mutation and even sex changes,” added Dr Jayabalan, who is also a National Poison Centre member.
Muslim Consumer Association of Malaysia secretary-general Datuk Dr Ma’amor Osman advised consumers to stay away from plastic completely, be it dining in restaurants or buying back food.
“Consumers should use their own containers such as stainless steel tins if they want to bring food home and request for clay or glass cutlery in restaurants,” he said.
“It is our right as a consumer to be served in a good and healthy way,” added Dr Ma’amor.
He said labels should be placed on containers to clearly state any warnings, what it is made of and whether it is microwave-safe.
Fomca chief executive officer Mohd Yusof Abdul Rahman hoped the authorities would conduct more research to determine what is safe for consumers to ease their doubts.
“The Government could also ask hawkers and traders to abstain from using plastic for the time being as it may be hazardous to health,” he added.
Char koay teow seller Lim Cheng Joo, 35, said customers were being health conscious by bringing their own metal containers for take-aways instead of accepting plastic bags and polystyrene boxes.
Dept confiscates 866 melamine-tainted items
NST: KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 866 food products suspected of containing melamine have been confiscated. The products were worth more than RM318,000 on the local market.
Health Ministry food quality and safety department director Noraini Mohd Othman said yesterday they included cereals worth RM2,284, solids worth RM6,469, confectionery worth RM236,099, chocolate products worth RM34,397 and milk worth RM39,492.
Until yesterday, the department had found that 994 food products from 35 companies were not affected by melamine.
Noraini said food samples had been taken and analysed by the Chemistry Department to ensure they were up to standard before being sold in the market.
The results of the analyses on 10 more product samples had been obtained, all of which adhered to the standard.
Consumers can contact the food safety and quality division at 03-88833655/ 88833503 / 88833652 and 88833500 between 8am and 9pm, including on public holidays.
Health Ministry food quality and safety department director Noraini Mohd Othman said yesterday they included cereals worth RM2,284, solids worth RM6,469, confectionery worth RM236,099, chocolate products worth RM34,397 and milk worth RM39,492.
Until yesterday, the department had found that 994 food products from 35 companies were not affected by melamine.
Noraini said food samples had been taken and analysed by the Chemistry Department to ensure they were up to standard before being sold in the market.
The results of the analyses on 10 more product samples had been obtained, all of which adhered to the standard.
Consumers can contact the food safety and quality division at 03-88833655/ 88833503 / 88833652 and 88833500 between 8am and 9pm, including on public holidays.
Friday, September 26, 2008
132 products on suspect list
Star: PUTRAJAYA: There are now 132 products placed under the Government’s list of items suspected of having melamine.
This is up from 53 items on Wednesday.
Health Ministry director-general Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican said the list of suspected dairy products consisted of items that the ministry had sealed during enforcement operations.
“These items will be taken and tested. We expect to have results for a few of the items each day. If it is given the all-clear, it will then be allowed back into the market,” he told a press conference at the ministry here yesterday.
He said the 132 items comprised confectioneries, cereals, breads, chocolates and milk.
He said the value of items sealed by the ministry so far stood at RM18,344.
Ismail also cleared seven items as free of melamine.
The items are: Passion Chocolate Coated Wafer; Kraft Oreo White Chocolate Wafer Stick; Wall’s Mini Cornetto Chocomint & Tiramisu Flavoured; Wall’s Moo Soft Cookie Sandwich; Dutch Lady 123 Honey milk powder; Dutch Lady strawberry flavoured milk; and Frisolac Infant Formula.
To date, a total of 574 items - in addition to the seven - have been declared safe.
Ismail said the ministry was not able to release the results on all the items at one go because there was a lack of capacity. He said it took 48 hours to get results for one item.
Ismail said the ministry was concerned about pre-mixed tea and coffee and that such items would be analysed as well.
“I also urge all those receiving and packing hampers to check the items in them properly. People also have to be more alert if they are receiving gifts containing Chinese-made food products.”
Ismail said consumers could now call four telephone numbers between 8am and 9pm every day for information about the melamine issue.
The numbers are 03-88833655, 88833652, 88833503 and 88833500.
They could also check for the latest information at http://fsq.moh.gov.my
This is up from 53 items on Wednesday.
Health Ministry director-general Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican said the list of suspected dairy products consisted of items that the ministry had sealed during enforcement operations.
“These items will be taken and tested. We expect to have results for a few of the items each day. If it is given the all-clear, it will then be allowed back into the market,” he told a press conference at the ministry here yesterday.
He said the 132 items comprised confectioneries, cereals, breads, chocolates and milk.
He said the value of items sealed by the ministry so far stood at RM18,344.
Ismail also cleared seven items as free of melamine.
The items are: Passion Chocolate Coated Wafer; Kraft Oreo White Chocolate Wafer Stick; Wall’s Mini Cornetto Chocomint & Tiramisu Flavoured; Wall’s Moo Soft Cookie Sandwich; Dutch Lady 123 Honey milk powder; Dutch Lady strawberry flavoured milk; and Frisolac Infant Formula.
To date, a total of 574 items - in addition to the seven - have been declared safe.
Ismail said the ministry was not able to release the results on all the items at one go because there was a lack of capacity. He said it took 48 hours to get results for one item.
Ismail said the ministry was concerned about pre-mixed tea and coffee and that such items would be analysed as well.
“I also urge all those receiving and packing hampers to check the items in them properly. People also have to be more alert if they are receiving gifts containing Chinese-made food products.”
Ismail said consumers could now call four telephone numbers between 8am and 9pm every day for information about the melamine issue.
The numbers are 03-88833655, 88833652, 88833503 and 88833500.
They could also check for the latest information at http://fsq.moh.gov.my
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Hospital’s endoscopic procedures go online
Star: KUALA LUMPUR: A group of Malaysian doctors will perform advanced endoscopic procedures at Selayang Hospital and have it transmitted live worldwide today.
The event is in conjunction with the annual Harvard Medical Univer-sity endoscopy workshop in Boston.
The procedures, performed by doctors Ryan Ponnudurai, Sharmila Sachithanandan and Krishnan Raman, would be the first time the university is preparing a worldwide web telecast of live endoscopy cases.
Ponnudurai would be leading a team of experts from Malaysia, Thailand, Japan and Singapore to carry out the procedures.
The event would be opened by Health director-general Tan Sri Mohd Ismail Merican, who would also address the world audience via live telecast organised by the Malaysian Research and Education Network.
The purpose of the workshop is to teach participants from around the world the finer techniques in endoscopy, he said in a statement issued by the Health Ministry yesterday.
Endoscopy is a medical procedure by surgeons to look inside the body using an endoscope.
The event is in conjunction with the annual Harvard Medical Univer-sity endoscopy workshop in Boston.
The procedures, performed by doctors Ryan Ponnudurai, Sharmila Sachithanandan and Krishnan Raman, would be the first time the university is preparing a worldwide web telecast of live endoscopy cases.
Ponnudurai would be leading a team of experts from Malaysia, Thailand, Japan and Singapore to carry out the procedures.
The event would be opened by Health director-general Tan Sri Mohd Ismail Merican, who would also address the world audience via live telecast organised by the Malaysian Research and Education Network.
The purpose of the workshop is to teach participants from around the world the finer techniques in endoscopy, he said in a statement issued by the Health Ministry yesterday.
Endoscopy is a medical procedure by surgeons to look inside the body using an endoscope.
53 China-made food items sent for testing
NST: PUTRAJAYA: The Health Ministry has sealed 53 milk-related products produced in China for testing.
Samples of the items, including chocolate, candy, yogurt and biscuits, have been sent to the Chemistry Department for tests on suspicion that they may contain milk tainted by the banned substance, melamine.
Household names, including distributors of M&M's chocolates, Snickers chocolate bars and the White Rabbit creamy candy, will know their fate when the tests results are released today.
The ministry will also start seizing products off shelves if the test results show that they contain dangerous amounts of the substance.
"But, this is no cause for alarm at the moment. We are doing our best to check everything and we hope to get cooperation from the manufacturers, importers and retailers," Health Minister Datuk Liow Tiong Lai said yesterday.
He also said other food products imported from China and suspected of containing melamine had been placed on Level 5 of the six-level Food Safety Information System of Malaysia, which requires that products be detained pending results of sample analysis.
Milk-related products from China have been placed at the Level 6 alert since Sept 13, which means an automatic rejection.
Liow confirmed that there were no dairy products (milk or milk powder) from China sold in Malaysia since last year.
"To sell milk here, you would need a special licence from the Veterinary Services Department. The department has said that none had been given to Chinese companies since last year."
Liow said it was normal for food items to contain a small amount of melamine as a result of using plastic wrappers. A directive from the European Commission said up to 30 parts per million (ppm) of the substance was still safe.
Powdered milk produced by China's largest dairy producer, Sanlu Group, was found to have a melamine content of up to 2,563ppm.
Liow urged doctors who come across kidney disorders suspected to be caused by tainted milk products to report the cases to the ministry.
Samples of the items, including chocolate, candy, yogurt and biscuits, have been sent to the Chemistry Department for tests on suspicion that they may contain milk tainted by the banned substance, melamine.
Household names, including distributors of M&M's chocolates, Snickers chocolate bars and the White Rabbit creamy candy, will know their fate when the tests results are released today.
The ministry will also start seizing products off shelves if the test results show that they contain dangerous amounts of the substance.
"But, this is no cause for alarm at the moment. We are doing our best to check everything and we hope to get cooperation from the manufacturers, importers and retailers," Health Minister Datuk Liow Tiong Lai said yesterday.
He also said other food products imported from China and suspected of containing melamine had been placed on Level 5 of the six-level Food Safety Information System of Malaysia, which requires that products be detained pending results of sample analysis.
Milk-related products from China have been placed at the Level 6 alert since Sept 13, which means an automatic rejection.
Liow confirmed that there were no dairy products (milk or milk powder) from China sold in Malaysia since last year.
"To sell milk here, you would need a special licence from the Veterinary Services Department. The department has said that none had been given to Chinese companies since last year."
Liow said it was normal for food items to contain a small amount of melamine as a result of using plastic wrappers. A directive from the European Commission said up to 30 parts per million (ppm) of the substance was still safe.
Powdered milk produced by China's largest dairy producer, Sanlu Group, was found to have a melamine content of up to 2,563ppm.
Liow urged doctors who come across kidney disorders suspected to be caused by tainted milk products to report the cases to the ministry.
Government imposes new ruling on China food
Star: PUTRAJAYA: With immediate effect, food products from China that could be contaminated with melamine will also be held at entry points in the country for tests to ensure they are safe for consumption.
Health Minister Datuk Liow Tiong Lai said the procedure would be in place until the melamine-tainted milk issue was resolved.
“We are very careful. This is a new precaution,” he told reporters at his ministry yesterday. “The Chinese government must solve the issue as quickly as possible.
“We are checking all the time. It is not only on melamine. We oversee the whole aspect of food safety in the country.”
He said constant monitoring was already a routine prior to the latest health scare, resulting in 55 products being banned last year.
Since the ministry started inspection of dairy products from China on Tuesday, 53 items including chocolate, candies and ice cream have been barred from entry pending Chemistry De-partment tests.
Liow said automatic rejection of baby milk from China was started after the first infant death was reported there on Sept 13. The ban was widened two days later to include dairy products.
“We were quicker than Singa-pore in banning products from China and expanding our scope.”
Asked whether it was necessary to consider having separate guidelines for food from China, Liow said the ministry’s Food Safety Information System was sufficient.
He asked doctors at clinics and hospitals to inform the ministry if they had treated patients for suspected melamine poisoning.
At the Cabinet meeting yesterday, all relevant ministries and agencies were ordered to work together, he said.
He also said his Chinese counterpart, Chen Zhu, had given an assurance that China would give its full co-operation to the World Health Organisation and follow its recommendations.
Health Minister Datuk Liow Tiong Lai said the procedure would be in place until the melamine-tainted milk issue was resolved.
“We are very careful. This is a new precaution,” he told reporters at his ministry yesterday. “The Chinese government must solve the issue as quickly as possible.
“We are checking all the time. It is not only on melamine. We oversee the whole aspect of food safety in the country.”
He said constant monitoring was already a routine prior to the latest health scare, resulting in 55 products being banned last year.
Since the ministry started inspection of dairy products from China on Tuesday, 53 items including chocolate, candies and ice cream have been barred from entry pending Chemistry De-partment tests.
Liow said automatic rejection of baby milk from China was started after the first infant death was reported there on Sept 13. The ban was widened two days later to include dairy products.
“We were quicker than Singa-pore in banning products from China and expanding our scope.”
Asked whether it was necessary to consider having separate guidelines for food from China, Liow said the ministry’s Food Safety Information System was sufficient.
He asked doctors at clinics and hospitals to inform the ministry if they had treated patients for suspected melamine poisoning.
At the Cabinet meeting yesterday, all relevant ministries and agencies were ordered to work together, he said.
He also said his Chinese counterpart, Chen Zhu, had given an assurance that China would give its full co-operation to the World Health Organisation and follow its recommendations.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)