Malaysia Closes Schools as Flu Cases Surge Nationwide

Malaysia’s Ministry of Education has announced the closure of several schools across the country following a sharp rise in influenza infections, with nearly 6,000 students affected in just a few days.

The move aims to protect public health and prevent further spread of the virus.

Director-General of Education, Mohd Azam Ahmad, stated that authorities have drawn on extensive experience in managing infectious diseases since the COVID-19 pandemic. He confirmed that swift measures were introduced to contain the outbreak and safeguard students.

Ahmad said schools have been instructed to follow strict preventive guidelines, including encouraging mask-wearing and limiting group activities. He stressed that the ministry’s priority is to curb transmission without disrupting the education process.

Although he did not specify the number of schools closed, Ahmad noted that cases were recorded in several regions, prompting local education departments to issue temporary closure orders based on local health assessments.

According to the Malaysian Ministry of Health, 97 influenza clusters were identified nationwide last week, up from just 14 the week before. Most of the cases were reported in schools and kindergartens.

The rapid increase in infections has raised concern over a wider outbreak among students. Health and education authorities are now working closely to contain the virus through awareness campaigns and tighter preventive measures within educational institutions.