PUTRAJAYA (Aug 26): There were 31 suspected cases of mpox or monkeypox in Malaysia as of Monday, of which 25 cases were confirmed negative, while six were still being monitored.

Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said the number of mpox cases in Malaysia remained at nine, of which the first case was reported on July 26, 2023, while the last was in November.

"From December 2023 right up to this moment in time, we have had no new cases [of mpox]," he said at a press conference here on Monday.

He told reporters after witnessing the signing of a memorandum of understanding between KPJ Healthcare Bhd (KL:KPJ) and the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission. Also present was Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil.

Dzulkefly said immediate steps were taken by the Ministry of Health following an increase in mpox cases in neighbouring countries, including Singapore and Thailand, with more stringent screening at the country's entry points and the activation of 10 laboratories that conduct PCR tests for verification purposes, including two private laboratories, as well as a Crisis Preparedness and Response Centre.

"[We are monitoring] not just these two countries (Singapore and Thailand) but also visitors coming from abroad, particularly African countries.

"We are also sending more and regular circulars to our health facilities, both public and private," he said.

On Aug 14, the World Health Organization declared mpox as a global public health emergency of international concern. 

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