SIBU, May 12: A total of 34 imported malaria cases were reported in Sibu Division last year.
These cases were recorded from locals working in logging camps and construction industry overseas who returned to Sibu.
“Local people who work overseas, especially those who are involved in the logging and construction industries need to undergo malaria health screenings before they return to Sarawak,” said Sibu Divisional Health Officer Dr Teh Jo Hun at a press conference today.
Dr Teh added that public awareness on malaria is needed, despite Sarawak recording zero local transmission of the disease over the past few years.
“We still want to create awareness on malaria because we notice that a lot of people, especially from tropical countries who come back (to Sarawak) after working overseas have been tested with malaria.
“Besides that, in 2022 the state had also reported 47 cases of zoonotic malaria, which is transmitted from monkeys or other animals.
“We still want to create awareness where if you fall sick, do come and seek medical attention from the doctor, because it may be malaria,” he said.
Dr Teh said that World Malaria Day is usually celebrated on April 25, however, for Sibu this year the celebration will take place alongside with University of Technology Sarawak (UTS) ‘Holistic Health: Start with Family’ programme on May 20.
Present at the press conference was UTS Vice Chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Khairuddin Abdul Hamid. — DayakDaily
