SWINE FLU: M'SIANS IN UAE URGED TO TAKE EXTRA PRECAUTIONS

DUBAI, April 30 (Bernama) -- Malaysians working and residing in the United
Arab Emirates (UAE) have been advised to take precautionary steps in the wake
of the swine flu outbreak, with the World Health Organisation (WHO) warning
that the first flu pandemic in 40 years is imminent.

Malaysian consul-general in Dubai Syed Mohamad Hasrin Tengku Hussin said
they should follow the latest developments on the matter as well as any
directives
from the UAE government and health authorities.

Speaking to Bernama, he said they could also get additional information on
action being taken by Malaysian authorities to prepare for any eventuality via
the Health Ministry's website.

There have been no confirmed cases of swine flu in the UAE thus far.

Media reports said the UAE government had banned all imports of pork meat
and derivatives with immediate effect as a precautionary measure against swine
flu.

The first cases of the virus were detected in Mexico, with WHO and national
governments having confirmed 148 cases in nine countries.

-- BERNAMA