I was shocked to read on the eve of Hari Raya Aidiladha about the warning from the Pahang veterinary that 3,000 heads of cattle in the state were affected by the foot and mouth disease. We know fairly well that during this period of religious celebration, cattle will be slaughtered and distributed to community members.

Why did it take the authorities such a long time to make the public statement? Are they not responsible in protecting the health of the public - especially children who are very vulnerable to the disease? In the past, there used to be big campaigns to prevent the spread of the disease. I still remember that just two years ago, some kindergartens were advised to close temporarily.

I believe the latest cases were kept under wraps and not even taken seriously. For instance, there was no restriction imposed on the movement of cattle from Pahang to other neighbouring states, as was done in the past.

We also know that with corrupt enforcement officers, such restriction would not be effective any way, but at least there is acknowledgement by the authorities.

During Hari Raya Adiladha there would be more inter-state movements of cattle than usual, as some states do not have enough cattle to meet local demand.

For the authorities concerned to have issued the announcement at the eleventh hour certainly reflects the fact that they must have been sleeping on their job, and are totally indifferent and irresponsible towards public safety.

We should demand a full investigation on this incident.

If we can recall, this is not the first time that the authorities have been hiding information from the public over health matters. About two years ago, there was a protracted debate on the dengue cases in the country, particularly in Selangor and Kuala Lumpur.

My personal finding was that the disease was so widespread that the Kuala Lumpur Hospital did not have enough beds to cater to patients suffering from dengue.

In the case of the severe acute respiratory syndrome (Sars) epidemic last year, there was again an attempt to withhold information. Now comes bird flu and I am not too sure what they are doing about this dreadful disease, apart form saying that our country is free from it.

Their statement on the bird flu also implies that migratory birds - the main distance carrier of the disease - have missed our country, and that there have not been any smuggling of poultry products into the country. Again, is this true? Can we take the authorities' word for it when all our neighbouring countries have already declared that they are not free from it and are taking firm and drastic measures to put it under control?

Certainly the case deserves Pak Lah's personal attention. Members of the public would be following with great interest as to how he is going to address it. As a voter, I would certainly not cast my vote for the present health minister.