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RM1m for Research into Disease

Posted on: Friday, 10 March 2006, 00:00 CST

KOTA KINABALU, Thurs. - Research to determine the source of the hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) outbreak in Sarawak is expected to cost about RM1 million.

Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek said the Government was concerned over why the disease appeared to be starting in Sibu and would allocate funds for research on the disease.

"A researcher with the Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas), Dr Jane Cardosa, thinks that it might have something to do with Sungai Rejang in Sarawak, with regard to its water quality or virus content.

"She has been asked to come up with a costing plan for the research, and estimates about RM1 million," he told reporters after opening the 11th Malaysia-Singapore Nursing Conference today.

Dr Chua said the State Government would bear half the cost of the research and the Health Ministry would bear the other half.

"We want to study why this disease has broken out in Sibu and continues to originate from there, as well as its fatal effects," he said, adding that Sarawak has become the collaborating centre in the Asean region for research on HFMD.

There were 71 detected HFMD cases in Sabah last year.

Dr Chua also said he was disappointed with some kindergartens which defied the order to close temporarily.

"Some have taken the opportunity to hold tuition classes instead, which counters the point of closing down the classes," he said.

"The children are supposed to stay at home or away from crowded areas where possible, so as not to come into contact with the virus."

Source: New Straits Times

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