Monday, 26 Aug 2024 3:12 PM MYT

PUTRAJAYA, Aug 26 — There are 31 suspected cases of mpox, or monkeypox, in Malaysia as of today. Of these, 25 cases have been confirmed negative, while six are still being monitored.

Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the number of confirmed mpox cases in Malaysia remained at nine, with the first case reported on July 26, 2023, and the last in November of the same year.

“From December 2023 up to this moment, we have had no new cases of mpox,” he said in a press conference today.

He spoke to reporters after witnessing the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between KPJ Healthcare and MCMC. Also present was the Minister of Communications, Fahmi Fadzil.

Dzulkefly mentioned that immediate steps were taken by the Ministry of Health (MOH) following the increase in cases in neighboring countries, including Singapore and Thailand. Measures include more stringent screening at the country’s entry points, the activation of 10 laboratories for PCR tests, including two private laboratories, and the establishment of a Crisis Preparedness and Response Centre (CPRC).

“Not just these two countries (Singapore and Thailand), but also visitors coming from abroad, particularly African countries.

“We are also sending more regular circulars to our health facilities, both public and private,” he said.