Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad said public health starts with safe, nutritious food, calling local agricultural production the “first line of defence” against disease. He said a healthy society begins with the quality of nutrition on the people’s plates.

Potential areas highlighted included improving access to animal health innovations, antimicrobial resistance and stewardship, antiparasitic management, veterinary education and other areas where academia and industry can jointly address emerging needs.

When mothers receive the Tdap vaccination during pregnancy, their bodies produce antibodies that are passed on to the foetus, which will protect the newborns during the first few months of life.

Philip Morris Malaysia and economist Muhammed Abdul Khalid met with Perlis Mufti Dr Maza yesterday. The tobacco giant touted "safer" alternatives to conventional cigarettes. The mufti says a product can be considered halal if side effects are controllable.