Latest news with #StateHealthandEnvironmentCommittee
New Straits Times
15 hours ago
- Health
- New Straits Times
No Zika cases in Johor, but state on high alert after Singapore infections
JOHOR BARU: There are no Zika cases reported in Johor, despite two confirmed infections in Singapore. Following the recent cases reported across the Causeway, health authorities are on high alert and have heightened mosquito control and health surveillance. State Health and Environment Committee chairman Ling Tian Soon said entry protocols remain unchanged at all land, sea and air checkpoints to Johor. "Singaporeans and other foreigners can continue to make their way into Johor. "Screening protocol will continue at all entry checkpoints…anyone showing symptoms will be immediately referred for further testing at designated medical facilities," he told the New Straits Times today. "There are no reported Zika cases in Johor as of now, and the Health Ministry has not issued any new directives. However, we remain vigilant," Ling added. There are two confirmed Zika cases in Singapore's housing estate in Woodlands, some 5km away from the Johor's border land entry point via the Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) complex at the Bangunan Sultan Ismail, here. While Malaysia has not seen a Zika outbreak since 2016, Ling stressed the need for continuous preventive efforts, especially in Johor given its high volume of cross-border traffic. Malaysia's last significant Zika concern occurred in 2016, when the first local transmission was confirmed in Sabah, shortly after Singapore reported a major outbreak in the Aljunied area. Since then, Malaysia has reported sporadic cases, primarily imported or isolated incidents, but no major outbreak or cluster has been officially recorded. As of June 2025, there has been no confirmed Zika outbreak in Malaysia resembling the 2016 episode in terms of scale or transmission pattern. Meanwhile, Singapore National Environment Agency (NEA) in a statement issued on June 19 (Thursday) said NEA and the Communicable Diseases Agency (CDA) confirmed two locally transmitted Zika cases at Woodlands Street 11 and Street 32. The viral traces were found in both mosquito and wastewater samples in the area which signalled a likely transmission. Singapore, has deployed over 70,000 mosquito traps across the island, has recorded seven confirmed Zika cases this year. The virus is spread mainly by Aedes mosquitoes, which is the same vector responsible for dengue. It can cause serious complications in pregnant women, including birth defects. Zika symptoms include fever, rash, red eyes, and joint pain, although many infected individuals remain asymptomatic. There is currently no vaccine or specific treatment. Ling urged Johoreans to stay alert and practise anti-mosquito measures such as removing stagnant water and using repellents. He also advised pregnant women and those planning to travel to affected areas to consult medical professionals if they develop symptoms. The public can follow updates through official channels and are advised to seek immediate medical attention if unwell.
New Straits Times
15 hours ago
- Health
- New Straits Times
No Zika cases in Johor, but state on high alert
JOHOR BARU: There are no Zika cases reported in Johor, despite two confirmed infections in Singapore. Following the recent cases reported across the Causeway, health authorities are on high alert and have heightened mosquito control and health surveillance. State Health and Environment Committee chairman Ling Tian Soon said entry protocols remain unchanged at all land, sea and air checkpoints to Johor. "Singaporeans and other foreigners can continue to make their way into Johor. "Screening protocol will continue at all entry checkpoints…anyone showing symptoms will be immediately referred for further testing at designated medical facilities," he told the New Straits Times today. "There are no reported Zika cases in Johor as of now, and the Health Ministry has not issued any new directives. However, we remain vigilant," Ling added. There are two confirmed Zika cases in Singapore's housing estate in Woodlands, some 5km away from the Johor's border land entry point via the Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) complex at the Bangunan Sultan Ismail, here. While Malaysia has not seen a Zika outbreak since 2016, Ling stressed the need for continuous preventive efforts, especially in Johor given its high volume of cross-border traffic. Malaysia's last significant Zika concern occurred in 2016, when the first local transmission was confirmed in Sabah, shortly after Singapore reported a major outbreak in the Aljunied area. Since then, Malaysia has reported sporadic cases, primarily imported or isolated incidents, but no major outbreak or cluster has been officially recorded. As of June 2025, there has been no confirmed Zika outbreak in Malaysia resembling the 2016 episode in terms of scale or transmission pattern. Meanwhile, Singapore National Environment Agency (NEA) in a statement issued on June 19 (Thursday) said NEA and the Communicable Diseases Agency (CDA) confirmed two locally transmitted Zika cases at Woodlands Street 11 and Street 32. The viral traces were found in both mosquito and wastewater samples in the area which signalled a likely transmission. Singapore, has deployed over 70,000 mosquito traps across the island, has recorded seven confirmed Zika cases this year. The virus is spread mainly by Aedes mosquitoes, which is the same vector responsible for dengue. It can cause serious complications in pregnant women, including birth defects. Zika symptoms include fever, rash, red eyes, and joint pain, although many infected individuals remain asymptomatic. There is currently no vaccine or specific treatment. Ling urged Johoreans to stay alert and practise anti-mosquito measures such as removing stagnant water and using repellents. He also advised pregnant women and those planning to travel to affected areas to consult medical professionals if they develop symptoms. The public can follow updates through official channels and are advised to seek immediate medical attention if unwell.
New Straits Times
28-05-2025
- New Straits Times
Litterbugs beware: AI eyes are watching in Johor
JOHOR BARU: Illegal dumping in Johor Jaya will soon come with consequences, as artificial intelligence (AI)-powered cameras are being deployed to identify offenders. In a bold new move to clean up the streets, the Johor government has installed AI cameras to monitor and catch those who dispose of rubbish illegally, particularly in commercial zones notorious for repeat offences. State Health and Environment Committee chairman Ling Tian Soon said the pilot project kicked off in Taman Johor Jaya following a flood of complaints from the public about mounting rubbish and repeated dumping. "Despite regular clean-up efforts by the Johor Baru City Council, the problem persists. "Some areas see rubbish piling up faster than it can be cleared," Ling said after inspecting the site today. The system, called Enter AI, is a smart camera equipped with facial recognition technology that records illegal dumping and helps identify the culprits. "Once offenders are identified, we can take appropriate legal action. "This initiative is in line with the decree by the Regent of Johor, Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, who wants a serious push towards improving cleanliness in the state," Ling said. A special task force has been set up to pursue longer-term solutions, including tightening enforcement, reviewing existing waste laws, and stepping up public awareness campaigns.
New Straits Times
03-05-2025
- Health
- New Straits Times
16 MRSM students suffer suspected food poisoning
JOHOR BARU: Around 16 students from Maktab Rendah Sains MARA (MRSM) Johor Baru have experienced symptoms of vomiting, diarrhoea, and fever, suspected to be caused by food poisoning. State Health and Environment Committee Chairman Ling Tian Soon said upon receiving information about the incident from MRSM around 2pm today, the Johor Baru Health Office was immediately instructed to take further action. "Sixteen students showing symptoms were sent to various government and private healthcare facilities. "The Johor Baru Food Safety Division from the district health office has gone to the MRSM to carry out an investigation," he said during a press conference at the JumpX Launch Ceremony at a shopping mall here today. Ling said the incident reportedly began last night, and by this afternoon, the number of symptomatic students stood at 16. He added that although the exact cause of the poisoning has yet to be identified, it is believed to have originated from food served at the canteen, and samples will be taken by the health office for testing. "The health office will collect food samples from the canteen and interview the affected students to gather information for further investigation. "In the meantime, we advise that the canteen operations be temporarily halted for cleaning, and only resume once approved by the health department," he said. Earlier, a screenshot of a Facebook post went viral, in which a user claimed they had to rush from Melaka to Johor Baru after their child complained of vomiting, possibly due to food poisoning. The post alleged that many students were affected before tagging MRSM Johor Baru as the location.
