MOH to study risk of infections including COVID-19 among PATI

The Ministry of Health (MOH) is studying the risk of infection of diseases other than COVID-19 among illegal immigrants (PATI) that could affect the overall health of Malaysians.

Director-General of Health, Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said it includes a disease that had long been extinct in the country but was at risk of a recurrence.

"MOH will look at it from the angle of health. Not only the infection of COVID-19 but we are also concerned about other infections such as tuberculosis.

"It is very important that we sit down and talk. In terms of health, all sectors are health related.

"So, if we can work together to come up with a solution, we can reduce the spread of infectious diseases among non-Malaysians," he said at a press conference here Thursday.

In fact, they are at the same time willing to discuss with others the direction, constraints and challenges of dealing with infections among PATI.

"Suggestions have been given. Perhaps we will follow up with other ministries and NGOs to hold meetings and determine the direction.

"So, we have to look at it holistically, only then can we find a solution for a long term," he said.

Previously, there was a suggestion that MOH take measures to control the transmission of infectious diseases among foreigners as it did to HIV patients.