Singaporeans Aren't Happy With Johor's Strict Safety Measures Against Zika
Johor has stepped up control at six exit and entry points in the state following the detection of Zika virus in Singapore.
By Tang Ruxyn — 01 Sep 2016, 11:09 AM
Johor has stepped up its efforts and precautionary measure to control the deadly Zika virus from entering the country by enforcing stringent health screenings at six entry points in the states
The six exit and entry points are: Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) Complex at Bangunan Sultan Iskandar, Sultan Abu Bakar CIQ Complex in Tanjung Kupang, Johor Port in Pasir Gudang, Tanjung Pelepas in Gelang Patah, Puteri Harbour Ferry Terminal in Iskandar Puteri and the Stulang Laut Ferry Terminal.
It was reported that thermal scanners will be used at these major exit and entry points to stop those with a body temperature above 37°C from entering the country. Transport operators, on the other hand, have been urged to spray vehicles going back and forth to Singapore with disinfectant and insect repellent as a safety precaution.
"Control at the six points of entry will be tightened through screening of visitors and Malaysian citizens coming from Singapore," Johor Health and Environment Committee chairman Datuk Ayub Rahmat was quoted as saying by Free Malaysia Today.
This came after the detection of the Zika virus in Singapore on Sunday, 28 August.
However, it appears that this effort to curb the Zika virus from entering the country does not sit well with our neighbours down south
Singaporean netizens have lambasted the Malaysian authorities for enforcing such stringent health screenings, arguing that a normal person may have a body temperature that exceeds 37°C on a hot day as Singaporeans live in a tropical country.
Others were concerned that this would lead to serious traffic congestion problems while some said that the same restriction should be imposed on Malaysians who are entering Singapore.
Meanwhile, others supported the move as they understood that it is a valid precautionary measure against the Zika virus
The Zika outbreak in Singapore has worsened ever since officials confirmed the first Zika case in the country on 28 August
According to Singapore's Ministry of Health (MOH) and National Environment Agency (NEA), a total of 115 Zika infections have been confirmed in Singapore as of yesterday, 31 August.
Health experts are particularly concerned about the outbreak in Singapore as the country is known for its tight system for controlling disease, yet the situation seemed to have worsened over the span of a few days.
"Any time there's disease in Singapore, we say that disease is hard to control," the American Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) director Dr. Tom Frieden was quoted as saying by NBC News.
Do you think the stringent health screenings in Johor is reasonable? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below!