JOHOR BARU: Despite the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) recent designation of mpox as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), many Malaysians are still choosing to proceed with their travel plans abroad.
Travellers say they will take necessary precautions but are not deterred from their trips.
Restaurant owner Nor Azlin Abd Rahman, 47, said she and her family plan to visit Bandung, Indonesia, next month.
“At the moment, I’m not overly concerned, especially in South-East Asia. I still feel safe travelling to other countries within this region.
“However, I’ll keep a close eye on mpox developments and adjust my plans if there is a concerning trend here or in Indonesia. But I do not think that is likely,” she said.
Tan Kian Hui, 31, also expressed confidence in his travel plans to Bangkok in November.
“I trust that the government will issue travel advisories if necessary. The lack of new travel restrictions suggests the situation is still manageable. If circumstances change and a travel ban is imposed, I’m prepared to cancel my plans,” he said.
In the tourism sector, Malaysian Tourist Guides Council president Jimmy Leong noted that mpox has not impacted tourism in Malaysia.
“There’s been no panic among travellers, particularly in this region where the situation is not very alarming. Our tourism industry remains unaffected by mpox at this time and I do not think it is likely for that to happen,” he said.
Leong also urged the public to seek reliable information and be cautious of misleading content online.
The Health Ministry recently debunked a viral social media post claiming mpox was spreading in Singapore.
The image was actually from a 2022 report of a victim who was shot with a birdshot or buckshot, a type of ammunition usually fired from a shotgun.
Deputy Health Minister Datuk Lukanisman Awang Sauni also stated there are no current plans for a mpox vaccination programme, though the ministry is enhancing surveillance efforts.
The WHO’s PHEIC declaration follows a rise in mpox cases in several African and Asian countries.
From Jan 1, 2022, to June 30 this year, there have been 99,176 lab-confirmed cases and 208 deaths worldwide.
Malaysia reported nine cases last year, with no new cases this year, and the current risk is considered to be from imported cases.
