KUALA LUMPUR — Approximately 6,000 students in Malaysia have been infected with influenza, prompting precautionary closures of several schools across the country, officials announced. Director-General of Education Mohd Azam Ahmad spoke on October 13, emphasizing Malaysia’s experience with managing infectious diseases since the Covid-19 pandemic. He urged schools to continue enforcing safety protocols, including mask usage and limiting large gatherings among students.
While the exact number of school closures was not disclosed, influenza infections have been detected in multiple regions nationwide. Health Ministry data revealed a sharp rise in influenza clusters, reporting 97 clusters last week compared to just 14 the previous week, with schools and kindergartens being the most affected locations. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely as they implement measures to safeguard children and staff.