THE nation has heightened health surveillance and border control measures following renewed concerns over Nipah virus infections reported overseas, with the Health Ministry and enforcement agencies stressing that the country remains free of the disease but is taking no chances.
In a statement, the Health Ministry said it is intensifying screenings at international entry points while strengthening continuous surveillance nationwide to ensure early detection of any potential cases.
Measures include enhanced field monitoring and bolstering the national laboratory’s capacity to respond swiftly should the virus be detected.
Health officials said the preparedness of healthcare facilities has also been reinforced through the implementation of prevention and control measures, including stricter infection prevention and control practices.
Cross-sector and inter-agency cooperation has been stepped up as part of efforts to safeguard public health and prevent any re-emergence of the disease.
“Although Malaysia has not reported any cases of Nipah disease since 1999, the ministry remains vigilant against the risk of cross-border transmission following sporadic infections reported in several other countries,” the statement said.
The ministry added that surveillance of Nipah disease has been strengthened through collaboration with the Veterinary Services Department and the Wildlife and National Parks of Peninsular Malaysia Department under the One Health approach.
“To date, no Nipah virus has been detected in domestic or wild animals.”
The public, particularly travellers to high-risk areas, has been advised to maintain good personal hygiene and to avoid contact with sick animals or consuming contaminated products to reduce the risk of infection.
Nipah disease is classified as a notifiable disease under the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988 (Act 342).
It is a zoonotic infectious disease caused by the Nipah virus, with flying foxes or fruit bats identified as its natural reservoir. Human infection can occur through contact with the bodily fluids of infected animals, including saliva, blood and secretions, by consuming contaminated food, or through exposure to the bodily fluids of infected individuals.
Symptoms typically appear after an incubation period of five to 14 days and include fever, headache, vomiting, cough, difficulty breathing, seizures, confusion and disorientation.
The disease can lead to serious complications such as encephalitis and respiratory problems, with a reported mortality rate of between 40 and 75%.
Meanwhile, border enforcement agencies have stepped up monitoring of goods and passengers arriving from countries considered to pose higher health risks.
Port Klang Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency commander Deputy Comm Datuk Nik Ezanee Mohd Faisal said officers are closely watching the entry of animal products from India.
“We have officers stationed at terminals, including cruise ports, to screen passengers and monitor goods arriving from countries with known health risks, such as India,” he said at a press conference at Port Klang West.
DCP Nik Ezanee reminded importers that all animal products entering Malaysia must comply with veterinary and quarantine requirements set by the Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services Department. Any consignment that fails to meet the regulations will be detained, investigated and may be destroyed. - January 29, 2026
