INFLUENZA A(H1N1): WESTPORTS ASSISTING IN SCREENING OF CREW MEMBERS

KUALA LUMPUR, May 20 (Bernama) -- Westports Malaysia is assisting the local health authorities in carrying out screening of crew members of vessels docking at the port, especially from countries affected by the influenza A(H1N1).

The precautionary measures include close monitoring of crew members for any
sign or symptom of illness such as cough, flu or cold.

"If there is any suspected case of influenza A(H1N1), the ship will not be
allowed to dock and will anchor at open sea to allow the port health authorities
to screen the vessel.

"Highly suspicious cases will be transported directly to the Sungai Buloh
Hospital," the company said in a statement Tuesday.

Westports staff, especially frontliners like the pilots, have all been
provided with masks and gloves while the rest have been given information on
influenza A(H1N1) in the effort to heighten general awareness of hygiene to
minimise the risk of infection, it said.

At this stage, the port is free from any case and is operating normally.

West Port is one of three ports in Selangor that comprises Port Klang
(situated 38km to the southwest of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The other two are
Northport and Southpoint. Located on Pulau Indah in Klang, it was opened in
1995. It is the nation's leading private seaport.

-- BERNAMA