KUCHING: Sarawak authorities have been urged to strengthen health screening measures without causing undue alarm, as the state prepares to welcome visitors during Visit Malaysia 2026.
Sarawak Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister, Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, said Sarawak has not reached a critical stage concerning the Nipah virus (NiV) situation, but emphasised the importance of remaining vigilant, particularly at entry points.
“We have not reached a critical stage at this time,” he said.
Abdul Karim explained that several countries in South Asia, including Thailand, have already implemented precautionary measures for travellers arriving from affected areas, such as temperature screening, to prevent the spread of the virus.
He highlighted that the NiV poses serious risks due to its relatively high fatality rate compared to COVID-19 and the absence of an available vaccine.
“This is what makes Nipah a concern. Compared to the coronavirus, the percentage of fatalities is higher, and there is no vaccine to control it,” he told a press conference at his office in Baitulmakmur Building II today.
Abdul Karim also noted that Malaysia had previously recorded the first known outbreak of the NiV, underscoring the need for preparedness and caution.
In light of Visit Malaysia 2026, he said relevant agencies such as the Ministry of Health, the National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA), and at the state level, the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) should remain alert and proactive.
“We hope to see many visitors coming to Malaysia. But if visitors bring risks that could lead to problems for us, we must also be cautious,” he said.
Abdul Karim stressed that while Sarawak remains open to visitors, arrivals from locations identified as having NiV cases should be subject to appropriate monitoring and control measures.
“We cannot simply accept everyone without precaution. If visitors are coming from areas where the virus has been detected, there should be some level of control,” he said.
While he clarified that these views were personal and that decisions on border control measures fall under the purview of relevant ministries and authorities, he urged continued caution.
“I do not have the authority to impose restrictions. It is for the relevant ministries and leaders to issue the necessary procedures to manage our entry points,” he added.
As of late January 2026, the current NiV situation in India is focused on two confirmed cases in the eastern state of West Bengal.
