PUTRAJAYA: The use of devices for detection and monitoring under the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases (Amendment) Bill 2024 will not apply to all types of infectious diseases. Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad stated that the application and duration of device usage are temporary and are determined based on thorough risk assessments, evidence-based practices, and best practices considering specific factors.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Dzulkefly highlighted that factors such as the mode of transmission-airborne diseases differ from vector-borne diseases, like those involving zoonotic vectors such as mosquitoes-play a crucial role. He emphasized that the infection rate, including high transmissibility indicated by the R-naught (RO), and the incubation period of a disease are critical in deciding the need for device usage. These comments were made during a special press conference on Act 342, where Health Deputy Director-General (Public Health) Datuk Dr Norhayati Rusli and Ministr
y of Health Legal Adviser Ilham Abd Kader were also present.
Dzulkefly further explained that the use of monitoring or detection devices is limited to ensuring compliance with isolation, observation, and monitoring orders to prevent and control the spread of infections. Notably, diseases such as measles, dengue, mpox, and Ebola do not require such devices.
Dr Norhayati added that the devices would be employed for serious cases with rapid and dangerous transmission rates. She noted that these devices are applied for a specific period, depending on the incubation period of particular diseases. Severe and highly contagious diseases, especially airborne ones, may necessitate such measures to facilitate patient identification. A guideline on the order to wear or use detection devices under Section 15A is expected to be issued soon, with details on the type of devices to be decided later.
The amendments to Act 342, which were unanimously passed in the Dewan Negara yesterday, are anticipated to be gazetted by the
first quarter of next year. He mentioned that following the passing in the Dewan Negara, the Bill will be presented for the King’s consent. The first phase of the Bill’s enforcement will commence on a date set by the Minister through a notification in the gazette, indicating that its implementation will not be immediate.