Penang first state to launch sharp object disposal campaign

BUTTERWORTH: Penang is the first state to launch a campaign for the proper disposal of sharp objects, especially those used in the medical industry.
State Agriculture and Agro-based Industry, Rural Development and Health Executive Committee chairman Dr Afif Bahardin said the state government was proud that Penang had been chosen as the first state to launch the campaign by the Malaysian Community Pharmacy Guild (MCPG).
He said the campaign was aimed at providing awareness to users of needles and sharp objects at home about the importance of proper disposal to prevent needlestick injuries.
"Needles, as we know, when they are used, they will usually have traces of blood on them, which can enable the transmission of several diseases such as hepatitis and HIV.
"We want patients to change (their habits), to not throw needles through domestic waste but collect them in a closed plastic container and label it as 'SHARP' before bringing it to the community pharmacy for disposal," he said during the launch of the campaign at the Seberang Jaya Health Clinic here, today. — Bernama