Brunei Takes Enough Precautions Against Sars 

Bandar Seri Begawan - Since the outbreak of the deadly virus of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, Sars, most countries especially the worst affected have taken extra precautions to control the spread of the disease.

Brunei too has taken such measures speedily. Precautionary measures are surveillance at entry points into the country. Incoming people from the affected countries having to undergo body temperature check-up and other measures have been implemented.

In the Belait District, those coming in through Sungai Tujuh control post are not exempted from this procedure to ensure that they are free from the deadly virus.

Containing the Sars virus is not the sole responsibility of the health ministry alone, but also other government agencies as well as members of the public, a ministry official said.

The Immigration Department and the Health Ministry have taken the task of checking the people coming in at the control posts. The situation at the Sungai Tujuh control post is desolated.

The head of the immigration officer at the control post, Awang Murni Bin Haji Puasa explained that since the outbreak of the Sars virus in neighbouring countries, the number of people leaving the country has decreased.

He said more people were disinclined to go to Miri or other parts of Sarawak either for holiday or shopping because of concern for health.

Awang Murni also clarified the department's inspection process on passengers coming into the country.

Immigration officials will check the passports of every one not only that of foreigners but also locals. If they have been to affected countries recently they will be sent to health officials at the control post for further inspection.

Meanwhile, the Health Ministry continued its efforts to promote awareness on Sars to people in the country. This afternoon, a briefing was held for staff of the Mashor General Contractors in Seria.

An official from the Health Ministry, Pengiran Dr Haji Hishamudin, delivered the briefing. His talk focused on the latest development on Sars and its prevention measures. The briefing was one of the steps taken by the ministry to ensure the public particularly foreign workers understand the Sars and its implication.

In the Belait district, treatment room and isolated wards are facilitated at the Suri Seri Begawan hospital. The government of His Majesty through relevant agencies will continue on-going campaign throughout the country to prevent Sars from entering the country, a health official said.  -- Courtesy of Radio Television Brunei

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