Health Ministry proposes adding fresh produce to Sara, says Dzulkefly

CYBERJAYA: The Health Ministry will propose to the Cabinet that fruits and fresh produce be included in the Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (Sara) redemption list to promote healthier eating, said Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad. The Health Minister said adding fresh produce to the SARA list would encourage the public to eat more fruits and vegetables. “This could...

Paramedic Bill still under review by AG’s Chambers

KOTA BARU: The proposed Paramedic Practitioners Bill is currently under review by the Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC), says Health Ministry deputy secretary-general (Finance) Datuk Seri Zahrul Hakim Abdullah (pic). He said that once the review at the AGC level is completed, the proposed Bill will be submitted to the Cabinet for consideration and approval before being tabled...

4,352 medical officers to receive permanent offer letters by Aug 18

PUTRAJAYA: A total of 4,352 candidates for Grade UD10 medical officer positions will receive offer letters for permanent appointments by Aug 18. In a statement, the health ministry said that all candidates who accept the offer will begin reporting for duty in phases from Oct 2 at the ministry’s facilities nationwide. “Permanent appointments must be implemented in stages...

Restaurant ordered to close for 2 weeks after woman finds frog in drink

PETALING JAYA: A restaurant in Sendayan, Negeri Sembilan, was ordered to close for 14 days after it allegedly served a woman an asam boi drink which had a small frog in it. The health ministry’s food safety and quality division inspected the restaurant last Friday and found that it failed to meet food safety standards, Berita Harian...

Set up help desks at hospitals to guide elderly, disabled, says group

PETALING JAYA: The Penang Hindu Association (PHA) has called for the health ministry to set up help desks at government hospitals and clinics to assist senior citizens and persons with disabilities in navigating the public healthcare system. While praising the ministry and hospital staff for providing excellent services to the general public, specifically to senior citizens, PHA...

Health Ministry to engage food content creators to promote healthy eating, says Dzulkefly

KUALA LUMPUR: Food influencers on social media should help promote healthy eating and dining among Malaysians, says Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad. The Health Minister said that key opinion leaders could influence the public in both positive and negative ways. “We want our influencers to uphold the most important agenda, which is to promote healthy dining and...

Vape business owner steps down from Hospital Rembau’s visitor board

PETALING JAYA: A vape business owner has resigned from the Hospital Rembau's visitors board after his appointment courted controversy. Datuk Adzwan Abdul Manas said that he had decided to step down, although he accepted the position to help strengthen two-way communication between patients and the hospital. "However, after reflecting on the potential impact and negative perception due...

Ignorance of no-smoking sign rule is no excuse, says Melaka exco man

MELAKA: Ignorance is no defence when it comes to complying with the mandatory display of no-smoking signs at designated premises, says a Melaka exco member. State health, human resources and unity committee chairman Datuk Ngwe Hee Sem said he is fed up with receiving calls from people seeking to have compound notices for non-compliance withdrawn. He said...

46th Asean Summit: 200 health personnel deployed to ensure medical readiness

KUALA LUMPUR: The Health Ministry has deployed nearly 200 healthcare personnel to strengthen medical preparedness for the 46th Asean Summit and related events here. This includes setting up medical rooms at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC), the main venue, and at official delegation hotels. Medical teams are also stationed at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA). Kuala Lumpur and...

Free influenza vaccination for senior citizens at selected Health Ministry facilities

PUTRAJAYA: Senior citizens with at least one comorbid or chronic disease are advised to get the influenza vaccine for free through the Senior Citizen Influenza Immunisation programme at selected health facilities of the Health Ministry. The ministry, in a statement on Tuesday (May 20), said that to date, 65.16% of senior citizens with comorbidities have received...