GEORGE TOWN: While the risk of hantavirus in Malaysia remains low, health screening at international entry points have been stepped up as a precaution, says Daniel Gooi.
The Penang youth, sports and health committee chairman said the Health Ministry had implemented several measures, including stricter monitoring at airports and seaports nationwide, following reports of cases in Europe.
"We see cases in European countries but the likelihood of transmission in Malaysia is still low," he told reporters during the state assembly sitting on Monday (May 11).
He said authorities are not taking the situation lightly, with enhanced surveillance and laboratory capacity in place.
He said the Health Ministry was coordinating all measures, with officers stationed at all international entry points, including ports and airports. Existing protocols include the use of thermal scanners on arriving passengers, as well as inspections of vessels.
Gooi added that between Jan 1 and May 2, 2026, a total of 22,367 ships and boats were inspected nationwide.
During the same period, 2,421 practice certificates and 1,146 Ship Sanitation Certificates were issued to ensure vessels complied with public health, sanitation and infestation control requirements under international health regulations.
"These are established public health protocols that have long been in place to prevent the spread of infectious diseases," he said.
He said health officers are permanently stationed at major entry points, including cruise terminals, as part of standard operating procedures.
"With the emergence of the hantavirus strain, we have also reminded all entry points to remain alert to related symptoms," he added.
