SUNGAI BULOH, Sept 10 — The Health Ministry (MOH) has no plan to implement any restrictions, including the movement control order (MCO), to control the spread of mpox as was done at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said this decision was made after 6.2 million travellers entering the country were screened and found to be negative for mpox.
“I, as a minister, am always pressured into improving standard operations procedures … do not be worried as there will not be any MCO (such as) during the Covid-19 era,” he said when officiating the 20th anniversary celebration of the Health Ministry Training Institute (ILKKM) here today.
“However, I also want to remind everyone not to get too comfortable as we are aware of the transmission (infection) of this virus.
Also present at the event were MOH secretary-general Datuk Seri Suriani Ahmad, Selangor Health Department director Dr Ummi Kalthom Shamsuddin, and Sungai Buloh ILKKM director Robert Wong Kim Han.
As of yesterday, Singapore has logged 15 mpox cases, while Malaysia’s case toll has stayed at nine since the end of last year.
At a press conference, Dr Dzulkefly confirmed that to date, there have been 52 suspected mpox cases, but all had tested negative.
“This includes screening at international sea, air and land entry points. Praise be to God, until now, we have not received a single positive case from the suspected cases,” he also said.
He added that the MOH will provide mpox antivirals to vulnerable groups and those with low immunity, if necessary.
— Bernama
