Lessons on dental care for Orang Asli
BY FARIK ZOLKEPLI
LABIS: A total of 80 Orang Asli in Johor were taught dental hygiene and given dental services by the state Health department.
State Health department director Dr Mohd Khairi Yaakub said the department was also actively spreading more awareness on healthy habits as well as measures to be taken in case of an emergency.
"The department has conducted many programmes in Orang Asli villages statewide to ensure that they are not left-out.
"Dental hygiene as well as good health practices are important and most of the programmes are held at such settlements," he said during the launch of the Dental Hygiene and Health Awareness programme in Kampung Selai here recently.
He added the department urged the Orang Asli to incorporate healthy habits for the sake of future generations.
"Habits that the Orang Asli people are accustomed to, such as chewing betel leaf can lead to mouth cancer.
"We want the Orang Asli to know this and be mindful of their health," he said adding that the department has conducted four dental hygiene programmes for the Orang Asli people.
Dr Mohd Khairi said the programmes included providing free dental and health check-ups as well as other services.
"We aim to provide such services to more Orang Asli in the future.
"The department will use its resources to achieve its goals," he said.
Deputy Agriculture and Agro-based Industry minister Chua Tee Yong, WHO launched the event, said that programmes conducted for the Orang Asli was commendable.
"The department is moving in the right direction in ensuring that the Orang Asli is included in such programmes.
"Such effort is true to the 1Malaysia concept of putting the people's needs first," he said.
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