KUCHING: Women, Early Childhood and Community Wellbeing Development Minister, Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah, has called on taska (nursery or daycare centre) and tadika (kindergarten) operators, as well as teachers, to remain alert and strictly adhere to health protocols following an increase in influenza cases reported in schools nationwide.
She reminded early childhood education providers to continue daily health screening procedures, including checking children’s temperature and examining their hands, feet and mouths before allowing them to enter classrooms.
“If a child has a fever or shows symptoms of hand, foot and mouth disease or flu, parents should be informed and advised to take their child to a clinic for further examination,” she said in a statement today.
In recent weeks, Malaysia recorded a sharp rise in influenza and respiratory infection clusters, with the Ministry of Health (MOH) reporting 97 new influenza A and B clusters in Epidemiological Week 40 of 2025 compared to only 14 the previous week, according to a news report by BERNAMA.
Most cases were detected in educational institutions such as schools, kindergartens and childcare centres.
Laboratory surveillance also confirmed that the increase was caused by existing seasonal strains, particularly Influenza A subtype H3, rather than a new mutation.
A national MOH report stated that while all states recorded higher numbers of influenza clusters, Sarawak was not listed among those with specific outbreaks, with the highest numbers reported in Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya, Penang, Johor and Kedah.
Although Sarawak has not recorded any confirmed influenza clusters so far, Fatimah urged early childhood care centres to remain vigilant and continue preventive measures to protect the health of children and staff.
Her ministry is also seeking verification from the Health Department regarding reports of an Influenza A outbreak at a preschool in Sadong Jaya before issuing further directives.
She added that no official report has been received to date and that any action will only be taken following a thorough investigation by the health authorities.
