Malaysia floods: Health Ministry estimates RM500 million losses

ELVINA FERNANDEZ New Straits Times 11 Jan 15;

TEMERLOH: The Health Ministry estimates more than RM500 million losses due to the recent flood in the east coast.

Its minister Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam said rebuilding cost was estimated at about RM900 million.

"This is an estimated figure so it could be more,"

"So far we have got figures for RM300 million," he told reporters after addressing ministry staff at the Sultan Haji Ahmad hospital here.

He added that the ministry was looking at rebuilding and relocating some of the clinics as well as hospitals at the badly affected areas because they can no longer function.

He expressed appreciation to MOH staffs who were involved directly and indirectly during the floods, also those who worked tirelessly during this worst flood in our history.

Seven confirmed leptospirosis cases in Pahang
ELVINA FERNANDEZ New Straits Times 11 Jan 15;

KUALA KRAU: A total of 23 suspected and seven confirmed leptospirosis cases have been recorded in Pahang during the flood.

Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr S Subramaniam said the ministry was taking the necessary measures to conduct early detection and the preparation to conduct clinical test was ready.

"Most important of all is a high index of suspicion by doctors in both government and private facilities, to refer the patients for further medical checks," he said after visiting the Kuala Krau health clinic.

The public, he added should also be aware of the disease and practice cleanliness at all times.

"Always boil drinking water and maintain proper hygiene when preparing meals," he added.

The ministry, he said will also increase public awareness campaigns to educate the public on water borne diseases in affected areas.