MOH, MOE To Hold Talks Over Need To Close Schools If Influenza Cases Spike - Dzulkefly

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 10 (Bernama) -- The Ministry of Health (MOH) will discuss with the Ministry of Education (MOE) to consider further action, including the need to close schools if there is an increase in the spread of influenza clusters.

Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said this is based on the fact that the majority of the outbreak was detected in schools and kindergartens.

He, however, said any decision regarding school closures falls under the jurisdiction and discretion of MOE.

"Matters related to school closures are up to the MOE. We always provide guidance and advice, that those showing symptoms need not attend school, and to protect ourselves, wear face masks and go back to practising all SOPs (standard operating procedures), such as using hand sanitiser and washing our hands.

"For now, we will monitor and, if necessary, I will surely hold talks with the Education Minister (Fadhlina Sidek) as to whether or not any further action is needed,” he told a media conference at the Parliament lobby after the tabling of Budget 2026 today.

Elaborating, Dzulkefly said a total of 97 influenza clusters were recorded as of Epidemiological Week (ME) 40, with the majority of the clusters involving schools and kindergartens, where the spread was detected via the Influenza-Like Illnesses (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI) surveillance system.

"Influenza clusters spiked to 97… if we compare to the previous week, it is a significant increase, and most of them are in schools and kindergartens. This was what Fadhlina told me earlier, that we really focus on our schools and kindergartens,” he said.

However, he stressed that most of the reported cases were mild.

"Patients are encouraged to rest and stay well hydrated, as well as practice all SOPs. Influenza control is for all of us. We are mutually responsible. Especially, as I have said, schools, kindergartens and communities. So, my message is: take care of yourself and your family. May we always stay healthy,” he said.

Yesterday, the MOH said in a statement that 97 influenza A and B infection clusters were reported in Epidemiological Week (ME) 40/2025 compared with 14 clusters recorded in the previous week, with the majority involving educational institutions.

It added that all states recorded an increase, with the five highest being Selangor (43 clusters), Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya (15), Penang (10), Johor (nine) and Kedah (five).

-- BERNAMA