Malaysian PM advises countrymen not to attend gatherings

As Malaysia`s death toll due to swine flu touched 14, PM Najib Razak said the influenza has become a serious threat to the country.

Kuala Lumpur: As Malaysia`s death toll due to
the A (H1N1) virus touched 14, Prime Minister Najib Razak said
the influenza has become a serious threat to the country and
advised people not to attend gatherings in public places.

Najib also asked the countrymen to take comprehensive
preventive measures as many schools and tertiary institutions
shut down due to increasing cases of H1N1 infection.

"Don`t hold gatherings unless they are necessary.
Gatherings will expose us to additional risk because the
disease will spread," he was quoted as saying by national news
agency Bernama.

He urged people to take preventive measures like washing
hands and wearing masks, especially when attending public
functions, and added he had washed his hands before entering
the convention venue as he had shaken hands with many persons.

"If we have to wear a mask, wear it. There`s nothing to
lose," the Prime Minister said.

Meanwhile, all government hospitals, clinics and selected
private hospitals will be stocked with Tamiflu, the anti-viral
drug to treat influenza A(H1N1), local media reports said
adding that private clinics would also be allowed to obtain
stocks from relevant suppliers.

Health Director-General Dr Mohd Ismail Merican, however,
warned medical practitioners not to use anti-viral drugs as a
preventive measure because this could result in the virus
developing resistance to medication.

Pharmacists have also been told not to dispense Tamiflu
without a prescription.

Bureau Report

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