18 June 2019

Health Ministry one-month late: Kuala Koh incident a national disgrace

The Ministry of Health must investigate as to why actions were delayed for more than a month before the Ministry was despatched to Kampung Kuala Koh, Gua Musang to investigate what was then a mysterious disease which wrought an unusual high number of 14 mortalities then, and another one reported on 17 June 2019. This untimely fashion is inconceivable, a disgrace for the Ministry of Health, and someone must be held accountable for this tragedy.

In the past, the Ministry of Health had a well-established SOP for monitoring outbreaks, to allow immediate response to reports of contagious disease outbreak.

According to the news, since 2 May 2019, there have already been reports of Orang Asli deaths by the disease in Kampung Kuala Koh, Kelantan; yet the Ministry of Health only responded more than a month later on 10 June 2019. Clearly, the Ministry’s monitoring system has a fatal flaw.

Health Minister Dato’ Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad on 17 June 2019 noted that among the 112 affected Bateq Orang Asli’s, 37 have measles. Well then, what are the other diseases? What are the vectors of transmission? Consequently, shouldn’t the Ministry of Health advise the public on ways to prevent transmission? At the same time, to learn from this lesson, and ensure that the Orang Asli’s health and hygiene will be protected and not neglected in the future?

We can understand that the Orang Asli’s living environment and practices pose a certain challenge for their medical needs to be met. However, this cannot be the omnipotent excuse for the Ministry’s tardiness and incompetence in duty.

As the Orang Asli’s grief witnessing their kindred’s passing, one innocent life after another, we too cannot bear to stomach this injustice served by the Ministry of Health. The truth must be brought to light, because it is only if the Ministry is transparent, professional, can the public place their trust in them.

Malaysia’s medical and health framework has always earned global recognition and commendation. However, this incident has certainly left a blemish to its records.

Dato’ Dr. Mah Hang Soon

MCA Deputy President

-MCA online-