Latest news with #PreventionandControlofInfectiousDiseasesAct1988
The Sun
22-05-2025
- Health
- The Sun
HFMD situation in Selangor under control, showing signs of recovery
SHAH ALAM: The hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) situation in Selangor is under control and showing early signs of recovery following coordinated control measures. State Public Health and Environment Committee chairman Jamaliah Jamaluddin said Selangor recorded 39,233 HFMD cases as of Epidemiological Week 19 (EW19/2025), which ended on May 10. She noted a significant rise in cases between EW1 5 and EW19, particularly after the first week of the Aidilfitri celebration. 'This increase is attributed to more active movement of people, social visits, close interactions among children in crowded settings such as relatives' homes, and the sharing of food and toys. 'Another factor is the lax screening at childcare facilities, which has hampered efforts to detect and isolate symptomatic children,' she said in a statement today. Jamaliah added that nine cases involving the Enterovirus 71 (EV71) variant were reported - seven in Sabak Bernam and two in Hulu Langat. One patient in Sabak Bernam was hospitalised and has since fully recovered, while the others received outpatient treatment. She said most HFMD clusters occurred in childcare and early education centres, including nurseries, kindergartens, preschools and tuition centres (42.8 per cent), followed by primary schools (five per cent), day care centres (three per cent), and secondary schools (0.2 per cent). The remaining 49 per cent were home-based. As of EW 19, a total of 627 premises were closed - 192 voluntarily and 435 under the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988 (Act 342). 'Voluntary closures involved 63 nurseries, 81 kindergartens, 25 government-run preschools (tabika), 15 preschools, one care centre, six primary schools and one other premises. 'Enforced closures included 168 nurseries, 157 kindergartens, 69 tabika, 29 preschools, two care centres and 10 primary schools,' she said. Jamaliah said the Selangor Health Department has instructed for increased sample collection, especially at institutions and among hospitalised patients, to improve monitoring and detection of virus variants. She advised parents not to send symptomatic children to care or educational centres and to ensure they remain at home until fully recovered to prevent further transmission. Operators of early childhood education centres are also urged to refuse entry to symptomatic children, conduct health screenings at entry points and maintain a high level of hygiene. She added that the state government, through the Public Health Committee, will distribute educational materials on HFMD, including information on symptoms and preventive measures, to nurseries and kindergartens in high-incidence areas. 'This initiative aims to strengthen community awareness and preparedness. The state government remains committed to working closely with the Selangor Health Department and all relevant agencies to control the outbreak effectively,' she said.
The Sun
22-05-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Selangor HFMD cases under control, signs of recovery
SHAH ALAM: The hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) situation in Selangor is under control and showing early signs of recovery following coordinated control measures. State Public Health and Environment Committee chairman Jamaliah Jamaluddin said Selangor recorded 39,233 HFMD cases as of Epidemiological Week 19 (EW19/2025), which ended on May 10. She noted a significant rise in cases between EW1 5 and EW19, particularly after the first week of the Aidilfitri celebration. 'This increase is attributed to more active movement of people, social visits, close interactions among children in crowded settings such as relatives' homes, and the sharing of food and toys. 'Another factor is the lax screening at childcare facilities, which has hampered efforts to detect and isolate symptomatic children,' she said in a statement today. Jamaliah added that nine cases involving the Enterovirus 71 (EV71) variant were reported - seven in Sabak Bernam and two in Hulu Langat. One patient in Sabak Bernam was hospitalised and has since fully recovered, while the others received outpatient treatment. She said most HFMD clusters occurred in childcare and early education centres, including nurseries, kindergartens, preschools and tuition centres (42.8 per cent), followed by primary schools (five per cent), day care centres (three per cent), and secondary schools (0.2 per cent). The remaining 49 per cent were home-based. As of EW 19, a total of 627 premises were closed - 192 voluntarily and 435 under the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988 (Act 342). 'Voluntary closures involved 63 nurseries, 81 kindergartens, 25 government-run preschools (tabika), 15 preschools, one care centre, six primary schools and one other premises. 'Enforced closures included 168 nurseries, 157 kindergartens, 69 tabika, 29 preschools, two care centres and 10 primary schools,' she said. Jamaliah said the Selangor Health Department has instructed for increased sample collection, especially at institutions and among hospitalised patients, to improve monitoring and detection of virus variants. She advised parents not to send symptomatic children to care or educational centres and to ensure they remain at home until fully recovered to prevent further transmission. Operators of early childhood education centres are also urged to refuse entry to symptomatic children, conduct health screenings at entry points and maintain a high level of hygiene. She added that the state government, through the Public Health Committee, will distribute educational materials on HFMD, including information on symptoms and preventive measures, to nurseries and kindergartens in high-incidence areas. 'This initiative aims to strengthen community awareness and preparedness. The state government remains committed to working closely with the Selangor Health Department and all relevant agencies to control the outbreak effectively,' she said.
Barnama
17-05-2025
- Health
- Barnama
MOH Closely Monitoring COVID-19 Amid Rising Cases In Neighbouring Countries
GENERAL KUALA LUMPUR, May 17 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of Health (MOH) is closely monitoring the COVID-19 situation both domestically and abroad, particularly in light of rising cases in neighbouring countries such as Thailand and Singapore. Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said Malaysia remains vigilant despite recording a weekly average of around 600 cases, a figure that is still below the national alert threshold. No COVID-19-related deaths have been reported this year. 'Thailand recorded 16,607 new cases and six deaths between May 4 and May 10, while Singapore reported an estimated 14,200 cases from April 27 to May 3, up from 11,100 the previous week, with 133 hospitalisations,' he said in a post on X today, citing reports from Bangkok Post and The Straits Times. He said the National Crisis Preparedness and Response Centre (CPRC) has been alerted and is conducting continuous risk assessments to ensure readiness for any developments. As of May 10, Malaysia had reported a total of 11,727 COVID-19 cases nationwide from Epidemiological Week (EW) 1 to EW19/2025, with the highest figures recorded in the early part of the year, according to the MOH's Disease Control Division. The peak occurred in EW1 with 960 cases, followed by 1,229 cases each in EW2 and EW3. Since then, numbers have steadily declined, reaching 210 cases in EW15. The average weekly count between EW16 and EW19 remained around 600 cases - still below the alert threshold. COVID-19 continues to be a notifiable infectious disease under the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988 [Act 342]. All public and private healthcare facilities are required to report cases in real time via the MOH's e-Notification system, which supports early detection and rapid response to potential outbreaks. Additionally, the ministry uses a 'rumours surveillance' system to detect unofficial reports from the public, media, and verified sources to strengthen its early warning capabilities. The public is advised to maintain health precautions, seek treatment promptly if symptomatic, and protect high-risk individuals. Vulnerable groups are also encouraged to receive COVID-19 vaccination to reduce the risk of serious illness or death. Further information is available at
New Straits Times
17-05-2025
- Health
- New Straits Times
Health Ministry monitors Covid-19 amid spike in Thailand, Singapore cases
KUALA LUMPUR: The Health Ministry is closely monitoring the Covid-19 situation both domestically and abroad, especially in light of rising cases in neighbouring countries such as Thailand and Singapore. Its minister, Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, said Malaysia remains vigilant despite recording a weekly average of around 600 cases — a figure still below the national alert threshold. No Covid-19-related deaths have been reported this year. "Thailand recorded 16,607 new cases and six deaths between May 4 and May 10, while Singapore reported an estimated 14,200 cases from April 27 to May 3, up from 11,100 the previous week, with 133 hospitalisations," he said in a post on X today, citing reports from Bangkok Post and The Straits Times. He said the National Crisis Preparedness and Response Centre (CPRC) has been alerted and is conducting continuous risk assessments to ensure readiness for any developments. As of May 10, Malaysia had reported a total of 11,727 COVID-19 cases nationwide from Epidemiological Week (EW) 1 to EW19/2025, with the highest figures recorded in the early part of the year, according to the ministry's Disease Control Division. The peak occurred in EW1 with 960 cases, followed by 1,229 cases each in EW2 and EW3. Since then, numbers have steadily declined, reaching 210 cases in EW15. The average weekly count between EW16 and EW19 remained around 600 cases - still below the alert threshold. Covid-19 continues to be a notifiable infectious disease under the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988. All public and private healthcare facilities are required to report cases in real time via the ministry's e-Notification system, which supports early detection and rapid response to potential outbreaks. Additionally, the ministry uses a 'rumours surveillance' system to detect unofficial reports from the public, media, and verified sources to strengthen its early warning capabilities. The public is advised to maintain health precautions, seek treatment promptly if symptomatic, and protect high-risk individuals.
The Sun
17-05-2025
- Health
- The Sun
MOH closely monitoring COVID-19 amid rising cases in neighbouring countries
KUALA LUMPUR: The Ministry of Health (MOH) is closely monitoring the COVID-19 situation both domestically and abroad, particularly in light of rising cases in neighbouring countries such as Thailand and Singapore. Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said Malaysia remains vigilant despite recording a weekly average of around 600 cases, a figure that is still below the national alert threshold. No COVID-19-related deaths have been reported this year. 'Thailand recorded 16,607 new cases and six deaths between May 4 and May 10, while Singapore reported an estimated 14,200 cases from April 27 to May 3, up from 11,100 the previous week, with 133 hospitalisations,' he said in a post on X today, citing reports from Bangkok Post and The Straits Times. He said the National Crisis Preparedness and Response Centre (CPRC) has been alerted and is conducting continuous risk assessments to ensure readiness for any developments. As of May 10, Malaysia had reported a total of 11,727 COVID-19 cases nationwide from Epidemiological Week (EW) 1 to EW19/2025, with the highest figures recorded in the early part of the year, according to the MOH's Disease Control Division. The peak occurred in EW1 with 960 cases, followed by 1,229 cases each in EW2 and EW3. Since then, numbers have steadily declined, reaching 210 cases in EW15. The average weekly count between EW16 and EW19 remained around 600 cases - still below the alert threshold. COVID-19 continues to be a notifiable infectious disease under the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988 [Act 342]. All public and private healthcare facilities are required to report cases in real time via the MOH's e-Notification system, which supports early detection and rapid response to potential outbreaks. Additionally, the ministry uses a 'rumours surveillance' system to detect unofficial reports from the public, media, and verified sources to strengthen its early warning capabilities. The public is advised to maintain health precautions, seek treatment promptly if symptomatic, and protect high-risk individuals. Vulnerable groups are also encouraged to receive COVID-19 vaccination to reduce the risk of serious illness or death. Further information is available at
