Two Orang Asli villages in Negri Sembilan quarantined after one death from leprosy

NEGRI Sembilan has quarantined two Orang Asli villages in Kuala Pilah after an outbreak of leprosy left one dead,

Nine other cases were reported in the area, said Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun.

The Jeram Tengkek Ecopark near the two villages has also been closed indefinitely to prevent the disease from spreading.

The 18-year-old girl from Kampung Chergun was reported to have died on Feb 17 at her home after coming down with a fever for about a week.

"I was informed of the incidents by state exco member, Datuk Seri Jalaluddin Alias about the nine cases in Kg Chergun and Kg Guntur," said Aminudin.

The nine individuals were from five families.

Jalaluddin later told reporters that health authorities had carried out a screening exercise on 65 per cent of the village folk last month and another one was conducted on February 15.

"Another screening exercise will be carried out at Kg Guntur on Feb 22," he said.

He said they decided to close to Jeram Tengkek Ecopark to prevent outsiders from coming into the area.

"Our representatives will work with the relevant state departments and agencies to assist the Orang Asli community during their quarantine.

"We will work to bring the situation under control as soon as possible," he added. - February 19, 2025