On 29 and 30 April, students from year 3 of the Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) programme embarked on a study visit that brought public health beyond lecture halls and into the dynamic frontlines of Malaysia’s points of entry. Over two days, we moved from the maritime operations of Port Klang to the fast-paced environment of Kuala Lumpur International Airport, gaining first-hand insight into how health security is maintained at national borders.
Our journey began at the Pejabat Kesihatan Pelabuhan Klang on 29 April. The day opened with an introduction to the organisational structure and core functions of the port health office, setting the stage for a deeper understanding of its role in safeguarding international entry points. From there, we were guided through a series of briefings that illustrated how policies translate into operational practice.
As the sessions unfolded, we explored the mechanisms of international health control, particularly under the framework of the International Health Regulations. Discussions on vessel inspection, quarantine procedures, and the issuance of Ship Sanitation Control Certificates provided clarity on how risks are assessed and managed before they reach the mainland. The afternoon shifted focus to vector control and food safety, where we examined how surveillance of disease-carrying vectors and monitoring of imported food contribute to a broader system of prevention.
What made the experience compelling was seeing how these components operate together within a complex port ecosystem. Every ship arriving at Port Klang carries not only goods but also potential health risks, and the responsibility of balancing the facilitation of trade with the protection of public health became increasingly evident throughout the day.
The following morning, we continued our journey at Kuala Lumpur International Airport, where the tempo of operations was markedly different. Beginning at Terminal 1, we were introduced to the workflow of airport health services, starting with registration and access procedures before moving into structured briefings.
The sessions at KLIA provided a comprehensive view of health control in aviation settings. We examined food import regulations, communicable disease control, and the role of the Air Disaster Unit in emergency preparedness. These discussions highlighted how multiple units coordinate seamlessly to address both routine surveillance and unexpected health threats in a high-volume passenger environment.
In the afternoon, the experience became more immersive as we were taken through operational areas within the airport. Observing the thermal scanner counters, health quarantine centres, and treatment rooms allowed us to visualise how screening and response mechanisms are implemented in real time. The systems we had previously understood in theory were now visible as structured workflows designed for speed, accuracy, and minimal disruption to travellers.
Across both visits, a clear narrative emerged. Public health at points of entry is not a passive system but an active, coordinated effort that integrates surveillance, regulation, and rapid response. Whether at sea or in the air, the principles remain consistent, yet the operational challenges differ significantly.
As we concluded the two-day visit, the experience left us with a stronger appreciation of the unseen layers of protection that operate at national borders. It reinforced the importance of preparedness, interagency collaboration, and adherence to international standards in maintaining public health security.
We would like to extend our sincere appreciation to the AKPS team for granting approval for this study visit. Our heartfelt thanks also go to the teams at Pejabat Kesihatan Pelabuhan Klang and Kuala Lumpur International Airport for their warm hospitality and for facilitating a highly informative and well-coordinated programme. We also gratefully acknowledge the Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Universiti Malaya, for its continuous support in making this visit possible.
More importantly, this journey reminded us that public health extends far beyond clinical settings. It begins at the borders, where vigilance, expertise, and coordination ensure that the movement of people and goods does not compromise the health of the population. This experience from port to sky was not only educational but also a meaningful step in shaping our perspective as future public health professionals.
This article was written by Dr Ruthashini R Selvasingam and Dr Fatin Noor Izatty Binti Omar, Doctorate of Public Health, 2023 – 2026 batch.
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