There have been no outbreaks of infectious diseases in tsunami hit areas such as Penang and Kedah, according to Health Minister Dr Chua Soi Lek today.

"We have not detected any significant increase in the number of cases," he told a press conference at the MCA headquarters in Kuala Lumpur this afternoon.

He attributed this to basic infrastructure having remained intact, as well as the availability of clean water and food, following the tsunami which has displaced several communities in Penang and Kedah.

The International Committee of the Red Cross has warned of the possibility of epidemics caused by water-borne diseases, particularly malaria and diarrhoea, as well as respiratory tract infections among survivors.

Experts said the top five issues to be addressed in relief operations are the provision of drinking water, sanitation, food, shelter and health services.

Irresponsible action

Chua also dismissed rumours spread through the short message text service (SMS) that certain seafoods are unsafe for consumption.

"(The news) spread by SMS are rumours, and (an) irresponsible (thing to do)," he said.

Deputy Internal Security Minister Chia Kwang Chye was quoted in press report today as saying the government will trace the sources of the SMS.

He added that the government will take necessary action against the culprit and investigate if the intention of the individuals concerned is "prejudicial to national security".

On a related matter, Chua said the Kedah and Penang hospitals have a mental health unit on standby to offer help to survivors of the tsunami.

He noted, though, that most were not suffering from trauma but rather, were in a state of shock when admitted to hospitals for medical aid.

"I have no report of such (trauma) cases," he said.

The Dec 26 tragedy claimed the lives of 68 Malaysians and some 155,000 in coastal areas around the Indian Ocean. Among those injured are 299 Malaysians.