By Wilfred Pilo
KUCHING: March 12: Last year, Sarawak recorded the second highest number of reported hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) cases in Malaysia after Selangor.
The number of cumulative cases in 2018 was 7,479 as compared to 6,945 cumulative cases in 2017, meaning an increase of 7.68 per cent.
To reduce the spread of HFMD, Antabax, Malaysia’s No. 1 halal antibacterial personal care product introduce the “Antabax Always be Clean (ABC) Health” campaign in Sarawak by
organising an education workshop for SK Matang Jaya here.
The campaign aimed to educate the public and at the same time raise awareness among students and parents about this serious health situation.
During the workshop, Antabax also gave educational tips on reducing the spread of HFMD by demonstrating the correct steps for hand-washing and hand-sanitising. This is to enable parents, educators and caregivers to share the knowledge within their social circles so as to help and reduce the risk of HFMD.
Health Department Coordinator of Disease Control And Prevention (Kuching Division), Dr Teo Wan Jool, told those attending the event about the importance of personal hygiene and that HFMD could only be curbed if everyone practised cleanliness by washing their hands thoroughly before eating and doing other things.
She thanked Antabax for organising the educational workshop to enable young people to gain more knowledge to help themselves.
Meanwhile, Mandy Lee, the senior product manager (Household and Personal Care) of Lam Soon Edible Oils Sdn Bhd — the product manufacturer — said Antabax was committed to raising awareness of HFMD through interactive workshops across the state.
“As a Malaysian brand, Antabax feels for the communities and especially families that were affected by HFMD,” she said
She said they had taken to their social media channels to share simple steps to reduce the spread of HFMD.
“Our ABC for Health campaign for Sarawak will educate children on how to reduce their risk of contracting and spreading HFMD,” she pointed out.
At the event today, Antabax handed over its products, including hand soap and bar soap, to 2,044 students and teachers from SK Matang Jaya and SK Tan Sri Dr Sulaiman Daud.
The product claims to provide 24-hour antibacterial protection and kills 99.9 per cent of harmful germs. It also claims to be dermatologically-tested, contains ‘Micro Moisture Serum’ and skin vitamins to leave skin feeling softer, smoother and healthier.
Present at the event were SK Matang Jaya senior assistant I Irwan Puasa and assistant director (Health Promotional Unit) of the Health Department, Christy Alexander. — DayakDaily
