Take body temperature on forehead to guarantee accuracy - Health D-G

Thermometer must be used on the forehead to guarantee accurate reading of body temperature, said Health director-general Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah.

He said using a thermometer on other parts of the body would cause the accuracy of the reading to be doubted.

"The public must adhere to this to ensure accuracy in temperature readings," he told a media conference on COVID-19 at the Ministry of Health here today.

He also said that no report had been received thus far regarding the side effects (of using the thermometer on the forehead) despite fears among the people regarding its usage.

"There is no scientific evidence saying it (the use of thermometer on the forehead) can cause other sicknesses," he said when asked about the action of a few who preferred to use the thermometer on their hands to check their body temperature.

Commenting on the study of reusable face masks for school students, he said the ministry was collaborating with non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to produce washable fabric face masks.

"For example, each student will be given fabric face masks, one for wearing and the other for washing. That is the concept. If we can get sufficient fabric face masks, it may be one way to encourage Malaysians to wear face masks," he said, adding that one NGO had stepped forward to donate one million fabric face masks.

Dr Noor Hisham, meanwhile, emphasised that fabric face masks must have three layers as recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

"The Health Ministry does not encourage the use of single-ply face masks," he added.

-- BERNAMA