06/03/2025

THURSDAY | MAR 6, 2025 3 Move to delay new shift for nurses lauded SEREMBAN: The decision by the Health Ministry to request for a moratorium on the implementation of 45-hour shifts involving nurses has been deemed an appropriate move for all parties to provide their views. Congress of Unions of Employees in the Public and Civil Services (Cuepacs) president Datuk Dr Adnan Mat expressed confidence that the matter would be handled properly by the government, ensuring the health delivery system to the public would not be affected. “Cuepacs will provide its views to the government in the near future regarding the matters raised by all parties. The (moratorium) period is able to ease the situation and provide space for giving views and suggestions, and achieving a win-win decision.” He was speaking after attending the Negeri Sembilan Wakaf Month event officiated by Negeri Sembilan Islamic Religious Council chairman Datuk Seri Dr Abdul Aziz Sheikh Ab Kadir on Tuesday. Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad was reported to have said he would apply for a moratorium on the interim period for the shift implementation. He said he took into account that the Public Service Department had approved an interim period between Dec 1 and Feb 28 and during the interim period, the ministry had conducted public engagement and dialogue sessions according to zones nationwide. “We have received the feedback on the 45-hour shift and it is being studied so that the level of health delivery to the people is not affected.” – Bernama RM12.7b unclaimed money recorded KUALA LUMPUR: The Accountant-General’s Department recorded RM12.7 billion in unclaimed money as of Jan 31, according to the Finance Ministry. In a written reply on the Parliament website, the ministry said heirs or individuals who are entitled to the money can submit claim applications online via the official eGUMIS portal at egumis.anm.gov.my or at department counters. It was responding to a question from S. Kesavan (PH-Sungai Siput) on the latest amount of unclaimed money, the process involved in claiming it and the steps taken by the government to inform owners or heirs. According to the ministry, awareness campaigns, online briefings and periodic announcements via national TV channels are being carried out so that more owners or heirs are aware of the existence of the money. To facilitate the claim process, check and refund counter services have been expanded to 24 state departments and branches nationwide, in addition to the department counter in Putrajaya and at UTC Pudu. It said the move would enable the public to check and submit claim applications more easily and quickly. – Bernama

Potential miscarriage link to mercury in skincare products

o Pregnant women advised to be cautious in personal care items use and avoid those that may harm foetus

Ű BY DEEPALAKSHMI MANICKAM newsdesk@thesundaily.com

PETALING of mercury-laced skincare products go far beyond skin damage, with experts warning that they could pose significant risks to pregnant women and their unborn babies. Universiti Putra Malaysia obstetrician and gynaecologist Dr Nurul Iftida Basri said mercury absorbed through the skin could cross the placenta, leading to neurological and kidney abnormalities in developing foetuses. Citing research, she said women exposed to high mercury levels are at greater risk of miscarriages. “This could be due to an increased release of oxidative radicals, which may affect foetal development.” She said detecting mercury poisoning in the body during pregnancy is a major challenge because it presents only subtle symptoms. “There are no obvious symptoms but women who have used mercury-containing skincare products for an extended period may experience allergic reactions, rashes, skin peeling or itching.” It has been reported that women who used skincare products containing mercury during pregnancy have experienced miscarriages, raising concerns on the potential link between the two. Nurul Iftida added that if a pregnant woman has unknowingly used skincare products containing mercury, she should discontinue use immediately and undergo close monitoring. “The pregnancy should be monitored for foetal growth due to the risk of having a low-birthweight baby. There is also the risk of preterm birth, so early treatment should be sought if there are signs of premature labour.” She explained that the primary impact of mercury exposure on foetuses is on neurological development, which could result in low IQ and decreased memory, attention, language skills and spatial cognition. “The first trimester appears to be the most vulnerable period for mercury exposure. There is a lack of research to determine the most critical period but since embryological development occurs in the first trimester, JAYA: The dangers

Chang warned that the dangers of mercury exposure also apply to others, not just pregnant women. – AMIRUL SYAFIQ/THESUN

She recovery requires patience and proper care, with the first step being cessation of mercury exposure completely. “Gentle, fragrance-free moisturisers with ceramides and niacinamide could help repair the skin.” She said ingredients such as Vitamin C and azelaic acid could manage hyperpigmentation but strict sun protection is crucial. She also emphasised the need for stronger enforcement against illegal beauty products. “Despite regulations, mercury-laced creams are easily available online. Consumers must be cautious and avoid anything that promises instant whitening. No beauty trend is worth compromising your long-term health.” She said while the Health Ministry has been imposing bans on harmful beauty products, they continue to flood the market through online platforms and informal sellers. “Stronger enforcement, stricter penalties and increased consumer awareness are crucial to address their use and safeguarding public health.” said the path to

I would say early pregnancy carries a higher risk compared with later stages.” She advised pregnant women to exercise caution when selecting skincare products, emphasising the importance of avoiding ingredients that may harm foetal development. “Pregnant women should also avoid ingredients such as retinol, hydroquinone, Vitamin A, tetracycline and salicylic acid. It is always best to consult a doctor before using any skincare products during pregnancy.” Selayang Hospital Dermatology Head Dr Elizabeth Chang warned that the dangers of mercury exposure also apply to others, not just pregnant women. Many women suffer from long-term mercury poisoning, often without realising its effects until it causes significant harm, such as tremors, memory loss or kidney damage, she added. “Some users develop extreme sensitivity after stopping these products, leaving their skin dry, irritated and unable to tolerate basic skincare. “Some continue using mercury-laced creams, unaware that they are worsening their condition.”

Nine Sarawak highway packages completed and open to traffic KUALA LUMPUR: Nine out of 11 packages under Phase One of the Sarawak Pan Borneo Highway, spanning 641km, have been On a separate matter, the government has allocated allocation for this initiative stands at RM94.5 million. Under this project, 90 schools have been identified, with 79 in Sabah and 11 in Sarawak.

Wong said this year, 16 schools have been approved to modify their project scope and incorporate atmospheric water generator (AWG) technology. He added that the department is finalising the supplemental agreement to implement the new scope while approvals for AWG implementation in 10 schools in Sabah are in progress. He added that RM30.6 million was spent last year on maintaining 302 tube well water systems for rural schools in Sabah and Sarawak. – Bernama

spanning 65km from Jambatan Sungai Arip to the Bintulu Airport intersection, was completed on Nov 5. He was responding to Senator Datuk Ahmad Ibrahim, who asked about the progress of Phase One of the project. Alexander said the remaining sections, WPC06 (65km) and WPC11 (80km), excluding the Lambir section in Miri, are scheduled for completion in the second and fourth quarters of this year respectively. The 4km Lambir section requires a redesign and is expected to be completed by October 2027.

RM40 million to the Department of Irrigation and Drainage to carry out a maintenance project for 302 tube well water systems in rural schools across Sabah and Sarawak this year. Education Deputy Minister Wong Kah Woh said his ministry, in collaboration with the Sabah and Sarawak governments as well as the Public Works Department, has undertaken the construction and installation of tube well water systems in remote areas of both states. “Since 2021, the approved contract

“Construction is underway, with physical progress for 64 schools averaging 59.85%. The project is set for completion within two years and is expected to be completed by this year.” He was responding to a question from Datuk Larry Sng (PBM-Julau) regarding the ministry’s efforts to ensure rural schools, particularly those without access to clean water, receive adequate supply.

completed and are open to traffic, Works Minister Datuk Seri Alexander Nanta Linggi told the Dewan Negara yesterday. Among the completed sections is WPC02, which runs from Sematan to Jambatan Sungai Moyan and was finished on March 25 last year. He said WPC08, a 63km stretch from Jambatan Sungai Kua to Jambatan Sungai Arip, was finished on Aug 2 last year while WPC09,