MIGRANTS' HEALTH CHECKS (Be strict, for all our sakes)

The writer (left) believes that a beautiful camaraderie
 makes life a wonderful journey. 

            For many years, Malaysia has attracted millions of foreign citizens to either study or work in the country. Foreign students are eager to pursue their education here while breadwinners wish to find jobs here.

While we work on internationalising our higher institutions and boosting the economy by hiring foreign workers, it is essential for us not to leave out the safety aspect in workplaces. We may not see it coming, but some international students and foreign workers, registered or illegal immigrants, could be carrying contagious diseases. 

            Without official declaration of their health statuses, immigrants put the lives of Malaysians, especially those sharing the same workplaces and neighbourhoods, at risk. Thus, employers should ensure that foreign employees are fit and healthy. While it is important for employers to take into account other criteria - capable of working, willing to commit and having a clean criminal record- they should make it mandatory for foreign workers to undergo health screenings and pass medical tests prior to signing the contracts.

            Sometimes, employers are deceived by the physical appearance of foreigners. With this attitude of judging a book by its cover, employers often jump to conclusions and assume foreign employees are healthy. This happens when employers are desperate for workers to keep a business going or to improve the business performance. Illegal companies will recruit workers by fair means or foul, as long as their financial needs are fulfilled.        

            Foreign students, including those selected for transfer programs, should pass a medical test approved by certified medical practitioners to qualify for admission, even when these undergraduates have undergone health screenings and declared healthy by doctors in their countries. This may be tedious but our strict procedures show that we take the safety of everyone in the country seriously.

            Malaysia has been struggling with the increasing number of people contracting dengue, cancer, tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS, and we cannot afford to see the number increasing, or our campaigns on living a healthy lifestyle will be just a waste of time.

Hence, we need to be smart in handling immigrants, including Rohingyas and Bangladeshis, who migrate to a peaceful country like ours. We may help them in the name of humanity but we must shield our Malaysian brothers and sisters from danger.

Courtesy of New Sunday Times

31 May 2015

TUBERCULOSIS (Maintain one's health for a happy life)

The writer believes that a beautiful camaraderie
 makes life a wonderful journey. 

            Coughing can be a symptom of many types of illnesses, be they mild or severe. However, some tend to take things too positively or, worse, for granted. Such people think that a cough is common and will go away, but their optimism does not make things better. If left untreated, their health may deteriorate, and going by previous cases of tuberculosis (TB), many have been taken by this fatal disease by surprise. After the diagnosis has been confirmed, it marks the beginning of patients' nightmare, as at this point, it may be harder to cure.

            We need to take our health seriously. Every year, people die from various diseases, including cancer, diabetes, heart attack - and TB. Some are forced to face dreadful consequences, and their knowledge about diseases fails to boost their motivation to free themselves from the danger. Others, while trying to live a worry-free life, choose to live by the motto “ignorance is bliss”. This attitude shatters the dream of the Health Ministry and health-conscious members of society to reduce the number of patients being diagnosed with or dying because of TB.

            Thus, we need to remind not only ourselves, but also our loved ones to take action and make wise decisions when frequent coughs result in discomfort, dizziness or bodily pain. We may not see anything coming, but that does not mean everything is okay.

            There are several ways to avoid TB. As one is at risk of contracting it in crowded places, it is advisable to avoid being in areas where breathing is a challenge. Before they know it, patients might have contracted the disease at an early stage.

            Those suspected of having TB need to seek medical treatment immediately. When it comes to fighting deadly diseases, no one is an exception. It does not take a family member of doctors to take preventive measures or be fully aware of the undesirable repercussions of diseases, so people, regardless of profession, living status and age, should be mindful of any symptom of TB or other illnesses.

            Maintaining an optimal wellness level is important to ensure healthy living and, ultimately, happiness. It is also a "secret" for success in one's career and relationships, as well as provides an easier path to achieve personal goals. These simple rules are crucial to live an ideal life and they are not meant to be broken. 

Courtesy of New Sunday Times

24 May 2015

MAT REMPIT: Freedom Keeps Youth on the Wrong Track

The writer believes that a beautiful camaraderie
 makes life a wonderful journey. 

            It is frustrating how some people prefer to do things the wrong way. Those who refuse to work hard to earn a living end up getting involved in crime, including robbery and snatch theft. Neglected schoolchildren drop out and are influenced by negative friends. Heartless teenage mothers force babies born out of wedlock to pay the price for their mistakes by abandoning them, or worse, murdering those innocent newborns without feeling any guilt. And uncivilised youths would rather race on the road than taking up healthy hobbies or participating in beneficial programmes. For these pathetic teenagers and adults, every “no” is a “yes”.

Illegal racers are daredevils who put not only their lives, but also the lives of others at risk. Such fools think that their show on the road is proof of their bravery, heroism and even manliness, but they are wrong. Others would perceive them as children who may come from broken homes with improper upbringing leading loveless lives. And parents, who are expected to control and supervise their children, will be blatantly blamed.

Youngsters race for different reasons. Some find illegal racing interesting and exciting as they are promised special rewards if they win a race or bet. They may get money, be chosen as the new group leader or win the chance to win the best girl as the trophy.  Others are trapped in personal or family problems, thus they resort to illegal racing as a way to emancipate themselves from pressures at home.

When it comes to getting involved in crime or other unhealthy activities, there are usually bad influences that drive youths to settle for unwise decisions. I believe that illegal racers are greatly influenced by friends and movies.

It is undeniable that companions and entertainment influence the lifestyle as well as the way of thinking of the teenagers nowadays. Problems arise when youngsters mingle with the bad crowd and watch inappropriate flicks. Some teenagers believe in their own definition of fun and freedom that keeps them on the wrong track. Their “best friends forever” manipulate them and lure them into activities that guarantee guilty pleasure and temporary satisfaction.

Films with inappropriate content, including those that show dangerous scenes by stuntmen, easily affect young viewers. Some are excited and want to try out the scenes in real life. At the end of the day, film producers get all the benefits and become wealthier while immature audiences start thinking and imitating unrealistic acts performed by professionally trained actors in movies. Little do these youngsters realise that they may harm themselves while trying to have fun and impress others.

Teenagers get involved in illegal racing because they want to attract attention they probably never received before. This crime may have, ironically, helped them build confidence and passion as well as learn to reach goals, but these positive traits have been applied in the wrong way. Illegal racers will eventually become egoistic, greedy, immoral, disrespectful, inconsiderate and selfish members of society. Thus, we, by any means, must activate their positive attitude they once developed and reshape them into rehabilitated individuals.  

Courtesy of New Sunday Times,

May 17, 2015