MALAYSIA
8.
As reported by the Malaysian Red Crescent Society (MRCS), during the months of September and October 1,253 Vietnamese Boat Peole (VBP) arrived in Malaysia. 17,350 VBP were resettled in third countries during these months. There were 42,374 VBP in Malaysia as of 31st October 1979.
Delegation
Chief Delegate: Administrator, Accountant: Social Adviser: Medical team
of German Red Cross:
Radiology team
of German Red Cross:
Dental team
of Swiss Red Cross:
E. Krum-Hansen (Danish RC)
A. Whear (American RC) J. Beckman (Netherlands RC)
Dr. M. Bruder, doctor P. Clement, nurse
H. D. Schäfer, administrator
C. Bauerle, radiologist M. Schmidt, radiographer
Dr. P. Steiner, surge on Mrs. Steiner, assistant
Medical/Hygiene
The general health conditions in the camps continue to be satis- factory. There are no reports of any dangerous infectious diseases.
Tuberculosis is a problem, and this is the reason why the radiology team is present in Malaysia. The team is working on a rotation basis in four camps, Kota Bahru, Fulau Bidong, Cherating and Pulau Tengah. It is hoped that this will help detect the disease in its early stages with a view to giving treatment quickly in order to ease the delays in transit camps in Kuala Lumpur for refugees already accepted for resettlement in third countries. The other camps have a sufficient number of medical staff to deal with the problem.
Immunisation against polio has been given to all VBP in Cherating, Pulau Bidong, Pulau Tengah and Kota Bahru. This was made possible by the Ministry of Health who supplied all the vaccines. Arrangements are being made to supply all camps with tetanus toxoid and a stock of TAB and polio vaccine so that all new arrivals can be immunised soon after landing.
In Kota Bahru health conditions are satisfactory. The population of the camps is small about 1,900 - so it is easier to control conditions.
-
Cherating is the most congested camp owing to the transfer of about 4,000 VBP from the Ahak Air camp. Toilet facilities are not good, and flush- able latrines are now being fitted. Also two additional water tanks are being constructed to meet the increased demands. Other buildings under construc- tion at the camp include outpatient clinics and an x-ray room.
Family Planning has now been introduced in all the camps.
The health condition in all the transit centres is satisfactory, though at times the Friary and Convent camps tend to be rather overcrowded.