04/02/2025

TUESDAY | FEB 4, 2025

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Fungal infections spike linked to nail salon services

Move to add more deep-sea fishing vessels

discussed is awaiting the consent of the Regent of Johor, including the business model and how to move forward with the programme with Khabib Gym,” he said. Onn Hafiz was previously quoted as saying that the Johor Sports Council had signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Russian mixed martial arts fighter. He added that the MoU was sealed through a meeting between the state government delegation and Khabib in Abu Dhabi recently. – Bernama BATU PAHAT: The Fisheries Development Authority plans to modernise the local fishing industry by increasing the number of Class C and C2 fishing vessels, which will assist in curbing encroachment by foreign fishermen. Its chairman Muhammad Faiz Fadzil said the limited number of Class C and C2 vessels has resulted in absence of local fishing boats in the country’s waters, exposing them to risks of encroachment. He added that deep-sea fishermen would act as the “eyes and ears” of the authorities to help monitor and address encroachment. “Without large fishing vessels around, it’s much easier for encroachment to happen, and some foreigners take advantage of it. “Apart from having more fishermen out at sea, we’ll also ask the government to boost asset strength for better surveillance and control of the waters,” he said after presenting contributions under the “Madani Anak Nelayan Back to School Programme” here on Sunday. Muhammad Faiz said local fishermen needed to play their part in supporting the industry by taking the bold step of upgrading their vessels through loans, which the authority would help facilitate. “Agrobank, under the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry, will provide the necessary capital (loans) to help them make this change,” Muhammad Faiz said. Class C and C2 vessels are used by deep-sea fishermen operating 15 nautical miles off the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia (Straits of Malacca) and 30 nautical miles from the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia, as well as from Sabah and Sarawak up to the border of the country’s exclusive economic zone. – Bernama 687,000 to get power rebate refund KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Electricity Sdn Bhd has started giving rebate refunds totalling RM10.2 million, credited directly to the registered consumers’ electricity bill accounts in stages, beginning last month. Its CEO Mohd Yaakob Jaafar said the rebate payment, amounting to 2.5% of the total electricity deposit, is in accordance with the Sabah Electricity Supply Enactment 2024. “A total of 687,031 customers will receive the rebate refund this year,” he said in a statement. He added that customers can obtain more information by visiting any Sabah Electricity branches or by contacting the service line at 15444 or 088-515 000. “They can also download the Sabah Electricity app on their smartphones to receive the latest updates on Sabah Electricity services,” he said. – Bernama

o Establishments need to strictly follow hygiene protocol, train staff on proper

sterilisation to prevent cross-contamination, says dermatologist

Ű BY DEEPALAKSHMI MANICKAM newsdesk@thesundaily.com

PETALING JAYA: Dermatologists are raising the alarm over the rising number of fungal and bacterial infection cases caused by unsanitary treatments at nail salons. Sultan Idris Shah Hospital internal medicine physician and dermatologis Dr Ishvant Kaur Sidhu said many patients develop onychomycosis (fungal nail infection) and paronychia (bacterial infection) after regular manicures and pedicures. “Fungal nail infections often go unnoticed because the discolouration starts subtly and is masked by nail polish. Since they don’t initially cause pain or discomfort, people delay treatment until the infection spreads or worsens.” She highlighted that common mistakes such as wearing closed-toe shoes after pedicures or frequent exposure to damp environments can increase infection risk. Ishvant said those with diabetes or weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable as their bodies have a reduced ability to fight off infections. “Diabetes can cause poor blood circulation and nerve damage in the hands and feet, making it harder to detect early signs of infection. A minor fungal or bacterial infection could progress more rapidly and lead to serious complications, such as foot ulcers or cellulitis,” she added. Similarly, people with conditions that weaken the immune system such as cancer, autoimmune diseases, or those on immunosuppressive medications are at a higher risk of persistent and severe infections that may be harder to treat. Ishvant warned that gel and acrylic nails can trap moisture, fostering fungal growth, while excessive cuticle trimming creates entry points for infections. She also cautioned against overusing nail hardeners, as harsh chemicals like formaldehyde can cause brittleness and nail separation. “It’s best to use them sparingly and choose formaldehyde-free options.”

Ishvant said untreated fungal infections could lead to permanent nail damage, deformities and in some cases, it can spread to the skin, which may lead to cellulitis. – MASRY CHE ANI/THESUN

deformity or loss. She said bacterial infections can appear within 24 to 48 hours, showing symptoms like redness, swelling and pus. However, fungal infections progress slowly over weeks or months, often going unnoticed until they worsen. “By the time people seek treatment, the infection may already be severe and require extensive care,” she added. Meera warned that fungal infections often require long-term treatment, which may include oral antifungals, laser therapy or even nail removal. “Unlike bacterial infections, which would clear up with antibiotics, fungal infections can persist for months if not properly treated, so early detection is key.” She also warned that DIY manicures pose risks. “Unsterilised tools and aggressive cuticle trimming at home can lead to infections. Even gel manicures, if improperly removed, can weaken nails, making them vulnerable to fungal growth.” To minimise risks, Meera and Ishvant recommended clients bring their own tools and ensure their nails are dry before applying polish to reduce the likelihood of infections.

“The tender is expected to be opened either this month or in March, with a completion time of between six and eight months,” he said after officiating at the Larkin State Legislative Assembly Back to School event here on Sunday. He was commenting on the state government’s desire to explore the potential of the two sports. Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi, when tabling the state Budget 2025, announced an allocation of RM500,000 for the construction of pickleball courts. She said untreated fungal infections could lead to permanent nail damage, deformities or even nail loss if they affect the nail matrix. “In some cases, the fungus can spread to the skin, causing athlete’s foot, which may lead to bacterial complications like cellulitis.” To reduce risks, Ishvant urged nail salons to strictly follow hygiene protocols and to sterilise all tools between clients. Foot baths should have disposable liners, and staff should be trained on proper sterilisation to prevent cross-contamination. Ishvant advised those getting manicures and pedicures to maintain good nail hygiene at home, stressing that keeping nails clean and dry can greatly help prevent infections. Central Dermatology Specialist Clinic consultant dermatologist Dr Meera Kuppusamy said one patient developed a painful abscess after a manicure at an unhygienic salon, requiring drainage and antibiotics. “Another woman developed human papillomavirus-related warts on her finger after a manicure, which highlights the importance of strict salon hygiene.” Meera warned that bacterial infections like cellulitis can spread beyond the nails, while severe onycholysis (separation of the nail from the nail bed) may lead to permanent nail

Johor plans to build padel, pickleball courts as tourist draw JOHOR BAHRU: Johor is exploring the sports of padel and pickleball, which have the potential to be expanded and become a sports tourism attraction in the country. Meanwhile, Mohd Hairi said Iskandar Puteri is one of the several sites selected for the opening of the Khabib Gym, with the groundbreaking ceremony expected to be held this year.

State Youth and Sports, Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Committee chairman Mohd Hairi Mad Shah said the building of six courts have been planned for the sports, which is becoming increasingly popular. “There are two locations that have been selected – for padel in Nusa Duta and pickleball near the Johor Hockey Stadium in Taman Daya.

“The state government is looking at several locations, but everything is still at a discussion stage involving the Regent of Johor Tunku Mahkota Ismail and former Ultimate Fighting Championship lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov. “Its design is ready and everything that was