Although the Ebola epidemic is receiving widespread news coverage and has been declared as an international risk by the World Health Organisation (WHO), the Ebola Virus awareness level among Malaysians is still very low.

According to the Health Minister, Dr S Subramaniam, the government has strengthened its preparedness and response activities at all entry points of the country and the Institute for Medical Research (IMR) has a laboratory with the necessary equipment to detect the EVD virus while all government hospitals in the country have the facilities to quarantine and treat Ebola patients.

However, the general public still feels insecure although various measures have been taken up by the Malaysian authorities since the epidemic was first announced by the WHO.

Therefore, the Crisis Relief Squad of MCA (CRSM) feels that more can be done with regards to this matter and that the seriousness of the matter needs to be readdressed. CRSM also wishes to suggest that the Health Ministry needs to step up measures and to spell out detailed prevention and containment plans in case an outbreak were to happen here.

The ministry could increase its cooperation with the Department of Civil Aviation (DCA) and airport authorities in KLIA, KLIA2, Penang International Airport and domestic airports to start distributing individual health advisory notices to passengers travelling from the affected areas at all international and domestic airports. In addition, health advisory posters should also be displayed clearly at all entry points to the country including sea ports and land borders.

The government should also require that all aircraft flying from the affected areas to hand out compulsory symptom checklists forms to those onboard. This will ensure that the ministry can set up a database so that all suspected patients can be checked and quarantined effectively and thus minimise the risk of outbreak in Malaysia.

As a result, CRSM would like to urge both the ministry and relevant authorities to setup a proper Ebola virus awareness campaign to educate general public and let general public feel safe, secure, and well informed on the danger of Ebola virus.

LUA CHOON HANN is the Crisis Relief Squad of MCA national chief.