H1N1: MINISTER CAUTIONS AGAINST TAKING ALARMIST APPROACH

PUTRAJAYA, Aug 13 (Bernama) -- Information Communication and Culture
Minister Dr Rais Yatim has cautioned against adopting an alarmist approach in
the wake of the Influenza A(H1N1) pandemic.

He said that although precautionary steps must be taken, it should not be to
the extent of hampering the activities of the society.

There was no necessity, therefore, to cancel outdoor activities unless the
cancellations were on the advise of the Health Ministry, he told reporters after
launching an Arabic newspaper, Ahlan, here Thursday.

At the ministry's level, he said, it was not decided yet whether to require
people to wear face masks at all functions.

"The cabinet on Wednesday decided to let the Health Ministry determine the
severity of the pandemic but at the same time allow the public to continue
activities which are practical," he said in response to queries whether there
was a need to cancel or ban public performances in the wake of the pandemic.

He said that in other countries like Britain, where more than 350 deaths
have occurred, there was no public alarm and that activities had not come to a
standstill.

Malaysia, he said, could take a cue from that by letting the people go on
with their activities but advise them to take precautionary steps.

He added that the ministry and the Health Ministry were currently working on
a mechanism to raise public awareness on how to deal with the situation.

"We have discussed ways to channel information across all media network,
including television, radio and the print media," he said.
-- BERNAMA