MELAKA: The government is not planning to close the country’s borders at this time despite cases of monkeypox detected in several countries, says deputy health minister Dr Noor Azmi Ghazali.
He said health checks had been tightened at all entry points, especially for international travellers from countries exposed to the virus, to curb the spread of infection in Malaysia.
“We have briefed all health ministry (MoH) staff on this matter, and will strengthen control in all aspects.
“If symptoms are detected, an initial isolation measure will be implemented at the country’s entry points.
“Also, MoH’s laboratory unit is ready to conduct a study to curb the spread of the virus,” he told reporters at an event here today.
In a separate development, Noor Azmi said Malaysia needed more geriatricians and psychiatrists due to the increasing number of senior citizens and mental health patients who required treatment.
Malaysia was expected to be an ageing nation following the declining trend in the number of births as well as the impact on mental health due to the Covid-19 pandemic and other problems, he added.
Noor Azmi said the government always strived to provide expertise in various fields to ensure that the people enjoyed the best health services.
