THE Ministry of Education (MOE) is encouraging the use of face masks in schools as a precautionary measure following the increase in symptoms of influenza among students and teachers in all states.
Its Minister, Fadhlina Sidek, said the ministry has issued a reminder to all state education departments, including directors and top leadership of the MOE to comply with the guidelines and standard operating procedures (SOPs) set.
“We are monitoring this symptom and have reminded all states, especially directors and top leadership of the MOE to take steps that have been set under our guidelines,” she told the media in Nibong Tebal.
According to her, the guidelines were drawn up in line with those of the Ministry of Health (KKM) which emphasise health, safety and hygiene aspects in schools.
Fadhlina said that the MOE has also taken note of several reported cases but stressed that the situation is under control.
"There are those who are infected. So far, it is still under control and we will monitor the children from time to time, including the teachers as well," she added.
Fadhlina said that the school community consists of a large one involving students and teaching staff, and all parties need to be vigilant and comply with the prescribed preventive measures.
“Not only the safety and health of the children, but also that of our teachers.
"We have taken note of all of this and asked administrators to take precautionary and safety measures to prevent the spread based on the SOP," she said.
Fadhlina also stressed that the decision to close schools will only be considered after all preventive measures have been implemented according to procedures.
“Based on our SOP, we will follow all these measures first before we declare either closing (schools) or so on because these measures must be adhered to to ensure we can control the spread of the infection,” she said.
The MOH previously reported a sudden spike of 97 influenza clusters recorded in Epidemiological Week (ME) 40/2025, compared to only 14 clusters in the previous week.
According to the MOH, the significant increase mostly occurred in educational institutions, making schools among the main locations for influenza transmission at this time.
Of these, 32 clusters were detected in secondary schools, 26 in primary schools, 15 in kindergartens and nine in private schools.
The five states that recorded the highest number of clusters were Selangor with 43 clusters, followed by the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya (15), Penang (10), Johor (9) and Kedah (5). - October 11, 2025
