Kuala lumpur: The Ministry of Health (MOH) is conducting targeted screening of travellers arriving in Malaysia from high-risk countries, particularly India and Bangladesh, as an initial measure to strengthen the country's preparedness against the potential spread of the Nipah virus. Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the measures are being implemented at all international entry points nationwide, with body temperature scanning systems continuously activated to detect early symptoms, such as fever, among travellers.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the focus is on travellers arriving from India and Bangladesh, identified as high-risk countries. Travellers do not have special routes but are referred for further assessment if indicators such as fever are detected. The MOH remains on high alert, continuing screening at all entry points. Dzulkefly emphasized the importance of aligning screening measures with current practices adopted by most countries, with adjustments based on ongoing risk assessments.

He mentioned that the MOH is in close contact with the World Health Organisation (WHO) to ensure control measures are appropriate and aligned with the latest international developments. Meanwhile, on a separate initiative, Dzulkefly highlighted the collaboration between RHB and the National Heart Institute (IJN) to launch the RHB-IJN Heart Health Screening Mobile Unit.

The partnership involves RHB supplying a new Volvo Prime Mover unit, while IJN provides a screening trailer equipped with advanced cardiac diagnostic equipment. This initiative aims to offer early heart disease screening services to the community, with facilities such as electrocardiogram (ECG) and echocardiography (ECHO) available free of charge to rural communities. Dzulkefly noted that under the three-year strategic partnership, the RHB-IJN Mobile Unit is expected to operate in at least 12 locations nationwide each year, benefiting more than 4,000 people.