Around 6,000 students in Malaysia infected with influenza, prompting school closures

By Reuters October 13, 2025 | 06:20 pm PT

A general view of city skyline including Malaysia's landmark Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Feb. 3, 2023. Photo by Reuters

Around 6,000 students in Malaysia have been infected with influenza and some schools have been closed for the safety of children and staff, an education ministry official said.

"We already have extensive experience in dealing with infectious diseases from the Covid-19 pandemic," director-general Mohd Azam Ahmad said on Oct. 13, according to a video of his remarks posted by a local news broadcaster.

"We have reminded schools to follow these guidelines, encouraging the use of face masks and reducing large group activities among students."

He did not specify how many schools were closed, but said the infections were detected in several areas across the country.

Last week, the health ministry reported 97 influenza clusters across the country, up from 14 the week before, with most reported in schools and kindergartens.