KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 14 — The private sector has been encouraged to install thermal scanners at their premises, especially at the main entrance of buildings.
Deputy Health Minister Dr Lee Boon Chye said this will help the government curtail the spread of Covid-19 infections.
“At present, the Health Ministry has 80 thermal scanners placed at the international gateways throughout the country, and for now, this is sufficient.
“Although these machines are quite expensive, costing RM40,000, we encourage the private sector to install them, for instance hotels could have them to help us (the government),” he said at a press conference held after launching the Malaysian Society of Hypertension 17th Scientific Congress here today.
On the cooperation between the Health Ministries of Malaysia and Singapore on Covid-19, Dr Lee said the first meeting of the Joint Working Committee will be announced next week.
“I am planning to go to Singapore or Johor Bahru, but I have to look at the schedule of both parties,” he said, adding that the meeting could be done face-to-face or via video.
Separately, Dr Lee said the Health Ministry was targeting at reducing salt content in Malaysian foods by 15 per cent, as is outlined in the Salt Intake Reduction Strategy 2015-2020.
“The ministry is conducting a study into the negative effects of monosodium or salt in Malaysian food, as well as conducting an on-going programme on hypertension,” he said.
He said to achieve this target, food producers and providers must also reduce the use of salt in the food they serve consumers.
The congress is attended by about 500 local and foreign delegates to discuss various issues to tackle, treat, and discuss the latest situation on hypertension.
— Bernama
