Be cautious, students told as influenza wave hits schools and kindies

 

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PETALING JAYA: With schools and kindergartens not spared from the current influenza wave hitting the country, the alert is out for children to take extra precautionary measures.

Health experts want special emphasis given to children as most cases have been detected in schools.

Public health expert Prof Dr Sharifa Ezat Wan Puteh called for the affected schools to be closed after being sanitised.

She said children with influenza-­like illness (ILI) symptoms should stay home, while those with severe acute respiratory illness (Sari) should seek treatment at the hospital.

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“Children are also encouraged to get a flu jab. Annual vaccination is necessary because influenza viruses change over time and the vaccine is updated each year.

“The vaccine is suitable for individuals aged six months and older,” she said when contacted.

The Health Ministry has repor­ted a nationwide increase in ILI cases, with 97 clusters detected in the latest epidemiolo­gical week – a sharp jump from just 14 the week before.

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Most outbreaks were recorded in schools and kindergartens, mainly in Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Penang.

On Saturday, the ministry reminded that early treatment was important to prevent serious complications.

It said that while influenza was usually resolved without specific treatment, those who experienced symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, body aches or fatigue should seek medical attention, mainly children and those at high risk.

The ministry also urged the public to practise proper cough etiquette, maintain regular hand hygiene, avoid crowded places when unwell and wear face masks if they were symptomatic.

Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said his ministry will discuss with the Education Ministry on further action to contain the spread of the virus in schools.

He also sought to reassure the public that the situation remained under control despite a concerning number of outbreaks.

Prof Sharifa Ezat, who is Univer­siti Kebangsaan Malaysia’s School of Liberal Studies dean, said high-risk groups in­­cluded the elderly, those with comor­bidi­ties, cancer patients and pregnant women.

She added that other groups, such as healthcare workers, teachers with high student load and those handling work which involves meeting a lot of people, should also mask up to protect themselves.

Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) president Datuk Dr Thiru­navukarasu Rajoo urged the public to take sensible precautions with cases of Influenza A and B continuing to rise nationwide.

He said the increase in flu clusters being detected by the Health Ministry was not unusual during this time of the year, but stressed that vigilance is key to preventing a further spread.

“Good hygiene remains our best defence – wash your hands frequently, cover coughs and sneezes and wear a mask if feeling unwell or in crowded areas,” he said.

Dr Thirunavukarasu advised those with persistent high fever, severe cough, chest discomfort or breathing difficulties to seek immediate medical attention, especially if symptoms did not improve after a few days.

President of the Association of Private Hospitals Malaysia Dr Kuljit Singh said the resulting increase in demand for flu vaccines is still manageable.

“We have stock from suppliers, despite the surge in cases,” he said, adding that demand for the jab usually goes up during the flu season.

Former Medical Practitioners Coalition Association of Malaysia president Dr Raj Kumar Maharajah also said there is enough stock of the vaccine at the moment.

“Many are coming in for vaccines due to the influenza outbreak,” he said.

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Elder abuse a ticking time bomb

Fraught final chapter: The country could soon face an ageing population crisis, warns Kuan.

Rise in mistreatment of seniors needs immediate solutions, say experts

PETALING JAYA: While respect and care for the elderly are fundamental in Asian traditions, disturbing cases of elder abuse challenge this notion.

Two years ago, in Sungai Besi, a man in his 60s was found near death after being abandoned at a cemetery by a family member. Starved and dehydrated, he survived for days by consuming his own waste before dying in hospital.

In Kepong, several years earlier, an octogenarian was forced to live in her yard after her son, angered by her asset distribution among siblings, drove her out. A kind stranger eventually took her to a shelter.

Last year in Kedah, a couple in their 60s, who had supported their son, his wife and a newborn, were kicked out from their own home. The son, allegedly influenced by his wife, sent them to Kuala Lumpur on a bus, leaving them destitute and forcing them to survive on the streets.

These stories highlight a growing and distressing trend of neglect and abuse against the elderly, who deserve care and respect.

Social activist and philanthropist Kuan Chee Heng, who operates a free ambulance service in the Klang Valley and is deeply committed to helping the elderly, has witnessed countless cases of seniors being stripped of their savings and heartlessly abandoned by their families or caregivers.

Having assisted hundreds of abandoned elderly individuals over the past decade, the charity worker warns that without swift and effective action by the government, the country could soon face an ageing population crisis.

“I am sickened by these cases, and it makes me really sad to see these abuses occurring regularly. It is time for us to protect the aged with a law that compels their families to care for them and penalises those who neglect them,” Kuan said, adding that the country direly needs to pass the Senior Citizens Bill.

In 2023, Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri said the Senior Citizens Bill, aimed at safeguarding the rights and well-being of the elderly, has been drafted. The Bill is expected to include provisions for legal action and penalties against adult children who neglect their responsibilities toward their parents.

Additionally, the Bill seeks to protect the rights and well-being of senior citizens and empower the elderly community.

According to Kuan, the nation is facing situations where both parents and their children are in their golden years.

“Living past 70, they have exhausted their savings and have children who have a family of their own to care for and are struggling themselves to make ends meet,” he said.

Kuan suggested the government work closely with corporations and religious and charitable organisations to develop shelters for old folks at existing venues that are underutilised.

“Many temples have large compounds, and this can be used to house them. Government-run vocational training should also include courses that specialise in the management of the elderly, and these graduates can be tasked to take charge of these centres,” he said.

Experts studying the challenges of the ageing population emphasise the need for legal, social and ethical solutions.

“Strengthening the rights of the aged, providing financial protections combined with social support and awareness is key to addressing this growing crisis,” said psychologist and counsellor Assoc Prof Dr Fauziah Mohd Saad of Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris (UPSI).

She said diminished mental capacity due to conditions such as dementia or Alzheimer’s disease impairs an individual’s decision-making abilities, rendering them easy targets and highly susceptible to abuse by close family members or caregivers.

“Seniors who live alone or are dependent on a limited number of individuals for support may be subjected to abuse, as such isolation makes it easier for exploiters to manipulate them without interference.

“Financial abuse can also occur as a result of strained relationships, greed or a ‘sense of entitlement’. Children or relatives may take advantage and plunder an elder’s savings and assets, sometimes justifying it as inheritance in advance,” she said, as elderly individuals could place unconditional trust in family members or caregivers.

Fauziah advised that seniors, with the assistance of trusted family members, should take proactive steps to protect their savings and assets, especially when experiencing cognitive decline.

She said setting up a trust or will with clear legal guidelines can prevent unauthorised transfer of assets.

“Assigning the power of attorney to a trustworthy person ensures financial decisions are made in their best interest. Instead of relying on a single family member, there should be several other individuals they trust or can rely on to assist and guide them, making sure they do not make decisions under duress. Instilling awareness on scams and manipulation will also help them safeguard their assets,” Fauziah said.

She emphasised the need for elderly individuals to have an easy way to report abuse without fearing repercussions or retaliation, adding that authorities should actively promote helplines and provide dedicated legal aid.

She said a more effective approach could involve establishing a government-monitored support fund for neglected seniors and implementing laws that impose penalties for elder neglect, including financial restitution.

“In some countries, those who abandon their elderly parents have their names published. Although it is controversial, it can serve as a deterrent. Social pensions and public housing for abandoned old folks should also be considered,” Fauziah said.

Prof Dr Intan Hashimah Mohd Hashim of Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) said developing positive relationships within a family could also instil compassion and empathy among younger members.

“Elderly abuse is less likely to occur in a family where its members are kind and considerate with each other. Caregivers should also receive emotional support because they may suffer stress and burnout, which are two factors that often lead to abuse of senior folks,” the psychologist said. - By CHARLES RAMENDRAN, THE STAR

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