Dr Akmal determined to help Melaka transition to endemic phase

MELAKA, Nov 26 -- The new state Health and Anti-Drug Exco Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh is determined to make Melaka the first state to transition to the COVID-19 endemic phase.

The 33-year-old Merlimau assemblyman, who took his oath of office today, said among the factors that would help Melaka to enter the endemic phase was the smooth administration of vaccine booster doses to the people in the state.

“For me, this portfolio is not easy but I will shoulder this responsibility to the best of my ability and I am targeting for Melaka to become the first state to move to the endemic phase.

“We want to ensure that COVID-19 cases are under control and continue to decline especially after the Melaka state election,” he told reporters after the swearing-in ceremony at Dewan Seri Negeri in Ayer Keroh today.

Meanwhile, the sole female representative in the new line-up of state executive councillors, Datuk Kalsom Nordin, 68, said she will fight for the establishment of a free clinic for women and children in the B40 group within the next five years.

Kalsom, who holds the portfolio of Women, Family Development and Welfare, said the initiative was part of her manifesto to ensure the welfare and health of the group.

“Everything is expensive now and we often hear complaints from the B40 group that if there is an emergency at home, they cannot afford to go to a paid healthcare facility because of the high fees.

“So, I think it is not wrong for me to set up a free clinic for women and children especially when the economy is still unstable due to the COVID-19 outbreak,” said the Pengkalan Batu assemblywoman.

Meanwhile, Datuk Muhammad Jailani Khamis who maintained his portfolio of Tourism, Heritage and Culture, said he holds a huge responsibility to ensure the recovery of the Melaka tourism industry, especially during the post-COVID-19 pandemic period.

The Rembia assemblyman said several new strategies would be launched next year to revive the industry and the announcement on the matter would be made in the next two weeks.

“We are looking at a different approach to revive the tourism industry and assist the industry players who have long been affected due to COVID-19,” he said.

-- BERNAMA