KUALA LUMPUR: The Assistant Environmental Health Officers Union of Sabah (KPPKPS) has voiced support for the amendments to the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988 (Act 342), calling them essential to improving the nation’s preparedness against future infectious disease threats. KPPKPS president Cassidy Kassim said Environmental Health Assistant Officers (PPKP), who are frontline enforcers under the Act, frequently face significant challenges in the field.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, these challenges include dealing with uncooperative individuals, facing safety risks, and encountering resistance from parties unwilling to comply with lawful instructions under the provisions of Act 342. Cassidy Kassim highlighted that the refusal of individuals, including patients and their contacts, to provide accurate information or undergo disease screening obstructs effective investigations.

He emphasized the importance of Act 342 as a critical framework for implementing infectious disease preventi
on and control measures, ensuring public health safety, particularly during outbreaks. Meanwhile, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, in a special press conference on Act 342 held in Putrajaya, dismissed claims that the amendments were rushed, adding that discussions on the proposed changes began as early as 2021.

On October 14, the Dewan Rakyat passed the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases (Amendment) Bill 2024 to strengthen the country’s readiness to address infectious disease threats. The Dewan Negara unanimously approved the amendments to Act 342 yesterday.