KUALA LUMPUR: Around 6,000 students in Malaysia have been infected with influenza and some schools have been closed for the safety of children and staff, an education ministry official said.
“We already have extensive experience in dealing with infectious diseases from the COVID-19 pandemic,” director general Mohd Azam Ahmad said on Monday (Oct 13), according to a video of his remarks posted by a local news broadcaster.
“We have reminded schools to follow these guidelines, encouraging the use of face masks and reducing large group activities among students.”
He did not specify how many schools were closed, but said the infections were detected in several areas across the country.
Last week, the health ministry reported 97 influenza clusters across the country, up from 14 the week before, with most reported in schools and kindergartens.
The Star had reported that Selangor has the highest number of clusters currently with 43, followed by Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya (15), Penang (10), Johor (nine) and Kedah (five).
On Sunday, Penang state health committee chairman Daniel Gooi told local media that the northern state is one of the worst-hit for influenza-like illness cases in Malaysia.
He said that although there was a slight decline in influenza clusters in Penang in 2025, health authorities remained alert to ensure things were kept under control.
Gooi added that Penang recorded 18 influenza clusters from the start of the year, compared with 19 clusters over the same period in 2024.
“During the same period last year, the positive rate was between 35.6 per cent and 51.1 per cent. We have also seen 52.4 per cent fewer respiratory clusters compared with 2024,” he was quoted as saying by The Star, cautioning that cases typically rise towards the end of the year.
“We expect a similar spike, so continued vigilance is important. Wash your hands often with soap or use hand sanitiser, practise good cough etiquette and wear a mask in crowded indoor places,” he said.
Meanwhile, public health expert Sharifa Ezat Wan Puteh said that special attention should be given to children as most cases have been detected in schools.
“Children are also encouraged to get a flu jab. Annual vaccination is necessary because influenza viruses change over time, and the vaccine is updated each year,” she told The Star.
“The vaccine is suitable for individuals aged six months and older.”
Separately, Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad said his ministry will discuss with the education ministry on further action to contain the spread of the virus in schools.
He also sought to reassure the public that the situation remained under control despite a concerning number of outbreaks.
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/asia/malaysia-students-influenza-outbreak-flu-school-closure-5399971
