KUALA LUMPUR: Many Malaysians are surprisingly still unaware or ignorant of the influenza A (H1N1)virus.
Despite intense nationwide awareness campaigns spearheaded by the government, the World Health Organisation found most Malaysians were "complacent" about the flu pandemic.
However, Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said the country's surveillance system had passed with flying colours.
"WHO has said that we have a good system in place to track down patients and prevent further infections.
"But we need to step up the campaign as the public's understanding of the disease is still low according to WHO."
The three WHO experts had spent a week in the country monitoring the pandemic.
Liow, who received a detailed report on Thursday, was speaking at the influenza A campaign at the MCA headquarters in Jalan Ampang.
He said the government would continue to stress the importance of personal hygiene to stop the spread of the H1N1 virus.
He said the mask initiative was the most successful to date.
"It sticks in their head. The public knows they must wear a mask if they show any flu symptoms."
Liow also quelled fears that there would be a shortage of vaccines.
"We have ordered enough," he said.
Liow is holding talks with pharmaceutical companies to reduce the price of anti-viral drugs, to make them accessible to everyone.
"The current price is about RM160 to RM180 per course of 10 tablets.
"Some have cut the price down to RM80."
Liow said WHO had recommended that the number of beds in intensive care units be increased as the current number was insufficient.
MCA president Datuk Seri Ong Tee Keat advised everyone to use "serving spoons" during meal times.
"It is common for us Asians to share our food.
"For hygiene purposes, we should use serving spoons for each dish instead of using our personal cutlery to get the food."
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