The annual report of the Medical and Health Departments, Kedah and Perlis.

  • Kedah and Perlis. Medical Department.
Date:
[1935]
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: The annual report of the Medical and Health Departments, Kedah and Perlis. Source: Wellcome Collection.

    8/86 (page 4)
    Two decisions of far-reaching importance to the general public health were taken during the year under review. It was decided to carry out a Health Survey of the State and to undertake a special malarial investigation of Alor Star during the1 year 1936. Preparations to this end were accordingly undertaken, a laboratory being equipped, personnel selected and trained and some preliminary investigations carried out. . The Health Survey is of special interest in that it is believed that this is the first State in the Malay Peninsula to undertake such a task. As some 85% of the population can be definitely classed as rural and as little is known of the health conditions among them, the value of such a work cannot be over-estimated. The imperative importance of investigation work and inspecting and laboratory personnel in connection with the anti-malarial work undertaken by the State is sufficiently obvious. The problem is further discussed in the appropriate section. It is gratifying to report recent progress in this connection. The conditions in urban areas was under detailed review at the end of the year while a detailed survey of health conditions on estates was completed. In view of the increased malarial “ epidemic ” danger, and the continued prevalence of slump condi¬ tions in certain areas this survey is of particular importance. It was discussed in detail by the Kedah Health Board. The Water Supply of the State received particular attention and their further investigation will form an important part of the Health Survey. Further particulars of work under the various sections will be found in the following pages. B. VITAL STATISTICS. The Mohammadan Calendar being in force upto 1929, and the “ Balancing Equation ” (Census * Births—Deaths Migrational Surplus) method of population calculation being used instead of the Geometrical for the year under review as per official instruction, rate comparison with the figures given in the 1934 report is only possible with the 1931 Census figure as follows:— Population Births * Deaths Infantile Deaths Year Mid-Year No. Rate per mille No. Rate per mille No. Rate per mille 1931 1935 (Census year) • • • • • • 433,100 452,554 15,615 16,713 36-05 36-93 9,129 10,299 21-1 22-75 1,907 2,469 122 147-73 Detailed statistics for the year 1935 will be found in the Tables in the appendix attached to this report. Population. This year’s population figure of 452,554 gives an average yearly increase of 4,864 since the last Census year (1931). It will be observed that the Malay section of the population is now estimated to comprise some 70% of the total, the Chinese some 17% and the Indian 11% as compared with 67% for the Malays, 18% for the Chinese and 12% for the Indians during 1931 Census period and 70% Malays, 18% Chinese and 10% Indians during the 1921 Census period. The interesting fact is thus disclosed that the various sections of the population have apparently retained the same relative proportions during the last 25 years. While the Census enumerations have shown a marked improvement in the general sex ratios, from 135 males 100 females in 1921, to 124 males to 100 females in 1931, it is clear that only amongst the Malays can the sex ratios be said to be reasonably satisfactory (1931 Census Malays, practically equal: Chinese, 216 to 100: Indians, 170 to 100). It was pointed out in last years report that Kulim, Bandar Bahru and Kuala Muda areas were the only ones which did not return a predominantly Malay population. Thus Sungei Patani and Kulim towns continue to be mainly Chinese in character. These places and Alor Star (Table II) are the only towns in the State with a population of over 5,000 although, unfortunately, they are not the only ones to exhibit slum