Information Communication and Culture Minister Rais Yatim has cautioned against adopting an alarmist approach in the wake of the Influenza A(H1N1) pandemic.

He said that although precautionary steps must be taken, it should not be to the extent of hampering the activities of the society.

rais yatim interview 160409 02 There was no necessity, therefore, to cancel outdoor activities unless the cancellations were on the advise of the Health Ministry, he told reporters after launching an Arabic newspaper, Ahlan, here today.

At the ministry's level, he said, it was not decided yet whether to require people to wear face masks at all functions.

"The cabinet yesterday decided to let the Health Ministry determine the severity of the pandemic but at the same time allow the public to continue activities which are practical," he said in response to queries whether there was a need to cancel or ban public performances in the wake of the pandemic.

Britain has 350 H1NI deaths

He said that in other countries like Britain, where more than 350 deaths have occurred, there was no public alarm and that activities had not come to a standstill.

NONE Malaysia, he said, could take a cue from that by letting the people go on with their activities but advise them to take precautionary steps.

He added that the ministry and the Health Ministry were currently working on a mechanism to raise public awareness on how to deal with the situation.

"We have discussed ways to channel information across all media network, including television, radio and the print media," he said.

The Health Ministry today confirmed seven more deaths relating to A(H1N1), bringing the death toll in Malaysia to 51.

- Bernama