KKM confirms 46 suspected Mpox cases as negative, says Dzulkefly

KUALA LUMPUR: The Ministry of Health (KKM) has confirmed that 46 suspected cases of monkeypox (Mpox) are negative.

According to Berita Harian, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Dzulkefly Ahmad stated that this number is based on screenings conducted on 5.2 million travelers entering the country to date.

“Recently, we have screened 5.2 million travelers, and from that, we identified 46 suspected Mpox cases. However, the good news is that all tests returned negative.

“Up to now, we have not faced any challenges; we hope it remains this way. The last positive cases we dealt with were in variant clade II (not I), which is more severe, with nine cases reported in December 2023,” he said last night.

Also present were Ling Tian Soon, Chairman of the State Health and Environment Committee, and Dr. Mohtar Pungut @ Ahmad, Director of Health for Johor.

Dr. Dzulkefly mentioned that since August 16, KKM has initiated all necessary preparedness measures, particularly at national border entry points.

During his visit to the state, he also monitored operations at the Sultan Iskandar Building (BSI) and the Sultan Abu Bakar Complex (KSAB) to ensure that all preparedness steps are in place.

Avoid Comparing Cases with Singapore

At the same time, he urged that the Mpox situation in Malaysia should not be compared with neighboring Singapore to avoid creating unnecessary alarm.

“Do not overly compare with Singapore. We have our own challenges and the standard operating procedures (SOPs) we have implemented. Singapore has quarantine measures, but we have not reached that stage because we are still under control, with no positive cases.

“We do not want people to be complacent or careless, but at the same time, we do not want to alarm people with any approach that might cause undue concern.

“This is not a pandemic like COVID-19 with repeated lockdowns and such; let’s not imagine such scenarios,” he explained.

Regarding the Walkabout BeBAs Program, inspections have been carried out involving 30 premises on Jalan Dhoby, with nine food premises successfully receiving ‘Clean and Safe’ (BeSS) recognition.

Dr. Dzulkefly said that ongoing monitoring will be conducted to effectively curb shisha smoking and other smoking activities to protect non-smokers.

The Walkabout BeBAs Program is KKM’s commitment to the health and well-being of all Malaysians.

Premises that have been inspected and found clean and meeting specific criteria will be granted BeSS recognition.