Malaysia Shuts Schools as Influenza Outbreak Infects 6,000 Students

4 hours ago 4

October 16, 2025 | 12:27 pm

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Around 6,000 students across Malaysia have been affected by a recent influenza outbreak, prompting the closure of several schools to curb further transmission among children and staff.

Malaysia’s Director-General of Education, Mohd Azam Ahmad, said authorities were drawing on their extensive experience from the COVID-19 pandemic to manage the situation.

“We have considerable experience in handling infectious diseases,” he told CNA on Monday.

According to The Times of India, students in various parts of Malaysia have shown symptoms such as fever, inflammation, and fatigue, common indicators of Influenza A and B infections.

The Education Ministry has urged schools to follow existing health guidelines, including wearing masks and limiting large gatherings.

Although the government has not disclosed the exact number of schools closed, Ahmad confirmed that influenza cases have been detected in multiple regions across the country.

Rising Influenza Clusters

Last week, the Malaysian Minister of Health reported 97 influenza clusters, a significant increase from just 14 clusters the previous week. It is reported that Selangor has the highest number of cases with 43, followed by Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya (15), Penang (10), Johor (9), and Kedah (5).

While the number of cases remains lower than last year, local health officials continue to warn of a possible year-end surge. The public, particularly parents, have been advised to remain vigilant and ensure that children aged six months and older receive influenza vaccinations.

We expect a similar spike, so continued vigilance is important. Wash your hands often with soap or use sanitiser, practise good cough etiquette and wear a mask in crowded indoor places,” said Penang Health Committee Chairman Daniel Gooi.

In addition to school closures, local health teams have carried out disinfection efforts, reminded schools to limit group activities, and encouraged mask use, similar to the measures implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad said his ministry is coordinating with the Ministry of Education to determine further steps to contain the spread of the virus in schools. He also assured the public that, despite the recent spike in cases, the situation remains under control.

Editor’s Choice: Indonesia's Bahlil Urges Sustainable Mining Amid Global Resource Concerns

Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News



Malaysia Says Trump Will Attend Thailand-Cambodia Peace Deal at ASEAN Summit

1 hari lalu

Malaysia Says Trump Will Attend Thailand-Cambodia Peace Deal at ASEAN Summit

The President of the United States, Donald Trump, will attend the ceremonial signing of a peace agreement between Thailand and Cambodia during the upcoming ASEAN Summit.


Indonesia Crowned Overall Champion at 2025 ASEAN Bowling Championship in Kazakhstan

2 hari lalu

Indonesia Crowned Overall Champion at 2025 ASEAN Bowling Championship in Kazakhstan

The Indonesian Embassy in Astana, Kazakhstan, has emerged as the overall champion of the 2025 ASEAN Bowling Championship, hosted by Malaysian Embassy.


Malaysia to Raise Myanmar Election Plans at ASEAN Summit

4 hari lalu

Malaysia to Raise Myanmar Election Plans at ASEAN Summit

Malaysia will bring Myanmar's election plan and the invitation for ASEAN member states to send election observers to the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur.


How Dangerous Are AI-Built Viruses?

6 hari lalu

How Dangerous Are AI-Built Viruses?

Opportunities for AI to create new life forms raise concerns about potential misuse.


Indonesian Immigration Alerts Malaysia on Fugitive Riza Chalid

7 hari lalu

Indonesian Immigration Alerts Malaysia on Fugitive Riza Chalid

The Immigration Directorate General has stated that Riza Chalid only holds one passport, namely the Indonesian passport


FIFA Sanctions Seven Naturalized Players and Malaysian Football Association

8 hari lalu

FIFA Sanctions Seven Naturalized Players and Malaysian Football Association

FIFA has released their findings on the forgery scandal involving the naturalization documents of seven Indonesian national team players. What are the findings?


Malaysian Football to Dispute FIFA 'Cheating' Allegations

8 hari lalu

Malaysian Football to Dispute FIFA 'Cheating' Allegations

Malaysia found seven new ringers for a 4-0 win against Vietnam. But FIFA says it was too good to be true, alleging "cheating."


FIFA Imposes Rp7bn Fine on Malaysia over Foreign Players' Forged Documents

8 hari lalu

FIFA Imposes Rp7bn Fine on Malaysia over Foreign Players' Forged Documents

The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has convincingly assessed that the birth certificates of naturalized players from the Malaysia National Team submitted by FAM were forged.


'We Drank from the Toilet': Malaysian Flotilla Activists Recount 'Brutal' Detention by Israeli Forces

10 hari lalu

'We Drank from the Toilet': Malaysian Flotilla Activists Recount 'Brutal' Detention by Israeli Forces

Malaysian sisters who joined the aid flotilla mission arrived in Istanbul after their ship was attacked, recounting 'brutal' treatment by Israel.


Indonesia, Malaysia Strengthen Monitoring of Protected Fish and Sea Turtle Eggs

10 hari lalu

Indonesia, Malaysia Strengthen Monitoring of Protected Fish and Sea Turtle Eggs

The hunting and smuggling of protected fish species, including sea turtle eggs, from Indonesia to Malaysia, has become a crucial issue.


Read Entire Article
International | Nasional | Metropolitan | Kota | Sports | Lifestyle |