A MALARIA outbreak in Ulu Baram, north of Sarawak, is under control, Deputy Health Minister Lukanisman Awang Sauni said.

He said people in the area are advised not to worry as the Miri Health Office has activated all measures to prevent the spread of malaria.

“I am waiting for a further report from the Miri Health Office. Looking at the situation there, for example in Long Lellang, there may be activities causing the malaria outbreak,” he said after attending the B40 Peduli health screening event at Bau Auditorium today.

Yesterday, local media reported a doctor in Miri had warned health workers to take immediate action in avoiding a malaria infection following at least two new cases in Ulu Baram.

Lukanisman said the Bau District Office will be vacated for use as a temporary mother-and-child clinic to reduce overcrowding at Bau Hospital.

He said this is the Health Ministry’s short-term plan before funding an upgrade of Bau Hospital.

Though patient congestion is not like that in city hospitals, the waiting is uncomfortable, Lukanisman said.

Earlier, there were reports of Sarawak Deputy Transport (Maritime and Riverine) Minister Henry Harry Jinep saying Bau Hospital, which is over 30 years old, needs upgrading as its facilities are outdated and it is overcrowded.

Jinep said the federal government needs to allocate more funds for local authorities to deal with the matter. – Bernama, March 31, 2023.