PUTRAJAYA, Oct 13 — About 6,000 school students nationwide have been infected with influenza so far, prompting the closure of several schools on the advice of their respective district health offices.
Education Director-General Mohd Azam Ahmad said the closures were carried out in accordance with procedures and guidelines set by the Health Ministry (MOH) to ensure the safety of students, teachers, and school staff.
Schools have also been instructed to implement preventive and control measures to curb the spread of influenza among students.
“We already have extensive experience in dealing with infectious diseases from the Covid-19 pandemic.
“We have reminded schools to follow these guidelines, encouraging the use of face masks and reducing large group activities among students,” he said during a special press conference today.
Azam added that the Education Ministry is prepared for any situation as the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examination approaches on November 3.
“We have asked the Examination Board to be ready for these challenges as the SPM begins soon,” he said.
On Thursday (October 9), the MOH reported 97 clusters of influenza A and B infections during Epidemiological Week 40/2025, up from 14 the previous week, with most cases detected in educational institutions.
All states recorded an increase in cases, with the highest numbers in Selangor (43 clusters), Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya (15), Penang (10), Johor (nine), and Kedah (five), with most patients exhibiting mild symptoms.
