JOHOR BARU: The stringent health screenings at the country's border in the state following the rise in mpox cases in Singapore will not affect operations or traffic flow between the two countries.

State Health and Environment committee chairman Ling Tian Soon said while preventive measures are strictly enforced, the Health Ministry's standard operating procedures (SOPs) will not hinder cross-border travel between Johor and Singapore.

"We are adhering to the Health Ministry's guidelines, but operations at our checkpoints will proceed smoothly," Ling told the New Straits Times, when contacted today.

On Aug 17, Malaysia recorded one new case of mpox, specifically the less severe Clade II variant.

In Singapore, 15 cases of the same mpox variant have been reported so far.

Ling said that although mpox is not airborne like Covid-19, precautionary measures are still in place.

At Johor's checkpoints, travellers must declare any symptoms, and routine temperature checks and visual screenings are conducted.

Suspected cases will be transferred to the hospital for testing. If confirmed, patients will be isolated, and close contacts will undergo a 21-day quarantine, he said.

Ling added that hospital facilities across the state are prepared, and guidelines have been disseminated to ensure strict isolation of suspected or confirmed cases.

Meanwhile, Johor Immigration Department director Datuk Rusdi Mohd Darus said they are working closely with the health department to ensure that the necessary screening stations are operational at all entry points.

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2024/09/1107852/stringent-mpox-screenings-wont-disrupt-cross-border-travel-between-johor