MELAKA: The Melaka Health Department is increasing monitoring and screening for leprosy among residents of Kampung Orang Asli Bukit Putus, Selandar, here as an initial step to curb the spread of the epidemic. MELAKA: The Melaka Health Department is increasing monitoring and screening for leprosy among residents of Kampung Orang Asli Bukit Putus, Selandar, here as an initial step to curb the spread of the epidemic. State Health, Human Resources, and Unity Exco Datuk Ngwe Hee Sem said this was due to the village being located on the border with Negeri Sembilan, which has recorded a leprosy outbreak in two Orang Asli villages in Kuala Pilah. “Initial steps will be taken immediately if anyone is infected; however, so far no cases have been detected among the Orang Asli population in this state involving 14 villages with more than 2,000 residents,” he told reporters after the launch of the Da Vinci Xi Robotic Surgery System here on Friday. The ceremony was officiated by Melaka Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh. Ngwe said the state Orang Asli Development Department (JAKOA) also often provides information on the importance of maintaining personal hygiene to the community in Melaka. The media previously reported that a teenage Orang Asli girl in Negeri Sembilan died from a leprosy outbreak on Monday, while eight other individuals are being treated. Following this, two Orang Asli villages in Kuala Pilah, namely Kampung Chergun and Guntur, were immediately quarantined and the cases were first detected on Jan 2, involving nine residents in the two villages. Share This.