Find solution for the high infant mortality in Terenggannu

DAP National Deputy Chairman and MP for Kepong Dr Tan Seng Giaw insists that there is an urgent need to find out the reasons for the high infant mortality (IMR) in Terengganu, then Malacca, Kelantan and Perlis compared with other states in Malaysia.

Having found the reasons such as poverty, we should then implement an effective solution to the problem.

On 10.8.2011, Dr Tan notices the findings of the National Population and Family Development Board (LPPKN) on infant mortality in Malaysia.

The Director-General of LPPKN Datuk Aminah Abdul Rahman says that Terengganu has recorded the highest infant mortality rate in Malaysia with an average of 9.2 fatalities for every 1,000 newborns. Malacca is 8.4, while Kelantan and Perlis are 8.1. The national average is 6.2.

Why should states such as Terengganu have such high IMR? With revenues also from petroleum for many decades, the state income is relatively big. Why should there be severe poverty in the state?

We need detailed study of those states with high IMR so that we know the true causes. Then credible solution can be found.

Tan Seng Giaw