Penang: Penang has stepped up monitoring at all international entry points following the spread of Hantavirus in several European countries. State Youth, Sports and Health Committee chairman Daniel Gooi Zi Sen stated that the measure aligns with the Ministry of Health's policy to ensure early containment of any infectious disease outbreak risk.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Gooi mentioned that although the current risk of Hantavirus transmission in Malaysia is low, precautionary measures are being taken, including tightening monitoring at international entry points and boosting laboratory capacity for detection. He noted that the Ministry of Health has informed that only certain strains of Hantavirus show potential for human-to-human transmission, as it is primarily a zoonotic virus.

Gooi further explained that health protocols at airports and ports have long been in place, utilizing infrared cameras to identify individuals with symptoms such as fever. He assured that every major international entry point, including the cruise ship terminal, has permanent health officers stationed for monitoring and inspections.

Based on the Ministry of Health data, Gooi reported that 22,367 ships and boats were inspected at international entry points nationwide between January 1 and May 2 this year. During the same period, 2,421 pratique certificates and 1,146 Ship Sanitation Certificates were issued, ensuring compliance with public health, sanitation, and infestation control requirements under the International Health Regulations.

On Wednesday, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad stated that Malaysia is fully prepared to face the threat of Hantavirus infection, although no cases involving Malaysians have been reported to date. International media have reported that European countries are tightening monitoring and quarantine measures following a Hantavirus outbreak aboard the Dutch-flagged cruise ship MV Hondius.