Health Ministry ready to face southwest monsoon, El Nino


Health Minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa says the ministry is equipped with facilities to provide the best treatment to patients. – The Malaysian Insight file pic, May 9, 2023.

THE Health Ministry has made thorough preparations at all its facilities throughout the country to face the effects of the southwest monsoon and El Nino phenomenon, minister Dr Zaliha Mustafa said.

She said the ministry is equipped with facilities to provide the best treatment to patients.

“Like El Nino, it causes significant heat changes in this country. Those having symptoms related to high temperature, we advise them to come to the hospital and see a doctor for immediate treatment,” she told reporters at a Hari Raya open house hosted by the Malaysian Organisation of Pharmaceutical Industries in Putrajaya today.

According to Malaysian Meteorological Department director-general Muhammad Helmi Abdullah, the southwest monsoon is expected to start on May 15 and continue until September. It will cause lower rainfall in most places during that period.

Several international meteorological agencies have predicted that El Nino will begin in mid-2023 to early 2024 and many countries have taken precautions to mitigate the adverse effects of the phenomenon.

In another development, Zaliha said the ministry would enhance cooperation with pharmaceutical industry players in the country in various fields, including information sharing.

“We are discussing cooperation in terms of data sharing and collaboration,” she said. – Bernama, May 9, 2023.


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