Our entry points should be tightened and the authorities must ensure that the monitoring system especially the thermal machines were running smoothly, said Gerakan’s head of central bureau on public health and social development, Dr Ng Keong Chye.

He said the World Health Organisation has declared the influenza A (H1N1) a pandemic, raising the alert level to the highest at Phase 6. This meant that the flu has spread from human to human in more than one region in the world.

He said health declaration forms filled up on the plane must actually be read by medical staff and visitors submitting incomplete forms must be asked to complete them and further quizzed.

He said health officials should also intensify awareness campaigns, especially in cities and big towns. So that people would know more about the danger of the disease and take precautionary measures.

“Many people may not be aware of the disease and how it is transmitted. It is important they have greater awareness, particularly on personal hygiene,” he said.

While educating the people on the spread of the disease, the authorities should also intensify monitoring at all entry points to the country, he said, adding that anybody suspected of contracting the disease should be quarantined immediately.

Dr Ng said the public should avoid going to crowded public places.