Malaysia, Indonesia tighten immigration control on foreign visitors over mpox fears

Malaysian Ministry of Health announced on August 19 that although no new mpox cases have been reported in the Southeast Asian nation this year, it is strengthening monitoring and advocacy activities after the World Health Organization (WHO) declared mpox a global public health emergency on Aug. 14.

The Malaysian authorities are stepping up surveillance at international entry points, and all travelers from countries that have reported mpox cases are required to monitor their health for 21 days after their arrival in the country.

Healthcare personnel at public and private facilities are required to notify their nearest district health office of suspected and confirmed cases, to ensure that prevention and control measures can be implemented.

The ministry will continue to work with other government agencies and non-government agencies, including public and private hospitals, to monitor, detect and treat mpox cases.

In Indonesia, its Health Ministry’s acting director-general of disease prevention and control, Yudhi Pramono, said on August 18 that foreign visitors are required to declare their medical records and recent travel history by filling in forms at entry gates.

Visitors with illnesses are advised not to continue their trip in Indonesia, he was quoted as saying by Jakarta Globe.

A total of 99,176 cases of mpox were recorded worldwide from Jan. 1, 2022 to June 30, 2024, including 208 deaths.