GEORGE TOWN, May 12 – Penang has tightened health security measures at its international ports and airport following global concerns over hantavirus infections.
State health, youth and sports exco Daniel Gooi Zi Sen said the state has strengthened screening protocols and enhanced laboratory capacity to detect potential hantavirus cases.
Gooi said Malaysia currently faces a relatively low risk as most reported hantavirus cases are concentrated in Europe.
However, health officers at international entry points remain on high alert, with ships arriving at Penang ports undergoing sanitation and cleanliness inspections.
From January 1 to May 2 this year, 22,367 ships and boats were inspected nationwide, while 2,421 sanitary certificates and 1,146 Ship Sanitation Certificates were issued.
Existing public health measures, including infrared fever screening systems, continue to be enforced to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.
