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PETALING JAYA: With schools and kindergartens not spared from the current influenza wave hitting the country, the alert is out for children to take extra precautionary measures.
Health experts want special emphasis given to children as most cases have been detected in schools.
Public health expert Prof Dr Sharifa Ezat Wan Puteh called for the affected schools to be closed after being sanitised.
She said children with influenza-like illness (ILI) symptoms should stay home, while those with severe acute respiratory illness (Sari) should seek treatment at the hospital.
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“Children are also encouraged to get a flu jab. Annual vaccination is necessary because influenza viruses change over time and the vaccine is updated each year.
“The vaccine is suitable for individuals aged six months and older,” she said when contacted.
The Health Ministry has reported a nationwide increase in ILI cases, with 97 clusters detected in the latest epidemiological week – a sharp jump from just 14 the week before.
Most outbreaks were recorded in schools and kindergartens, mainly in Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Penang.
On Saturday, the ministry reminded that early treatment was important to prevent serious complications.
It said that while influenza was usually resolved without specific treatment, those who experienced symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, body aches or fatigue should seek medical attention, mainly children and those at high risk.
The ministry also urged the public to practise proper cough etiquette, maintain regular hand hygiene, avoid crowded places when unwell and wear face masks if they were symptomatic.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said his ministry will discuss with the Education Ministry on further action to contain the spread of the virus in schools.
He also sought to reassure the public that the situation remained under control despite a concerning number of outbreaks.
Prof Sharifa Ezat, who is Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia’s School of Liberal Studies dean, said high-risk groups included the elderly, those with comorbidities, cancer patients and pregnant women.
She added that other groups, such as healthcare workers, teachers with high student load and those handling work which involves meeting a lot of people, should also mask up to protect themselves.
Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) president Datuk Dr Thirunavukarasu Rajoo urged the public to take sensible precautions with cases of Influenza A and B continuing to rise nationwide.
He said the increase in flu clusters being detected by the Health Ministry was not unusual during this time of the year, but stressed that vigilance is key to preventing a further spread.
“Good hygiene remains our best defence – wash your hands frequently, cover coughs and sneezes and wear a mask if feeling unwell or in crowded areas,” he said.
Dr Thirunavukarasu advised those with persistent high fever, severe cough, chest discomfort or breathing difficulties to seek immediate medical attention, especially if symptoms did not improve after a few days.
President of the Association of Private Hospitals Malaysia Dr Kuljit Singh said the resulting increase in demand for flu vaccines is still manageable.
“We have stock from suppliers, despite the surge in cases,” he said, adding that demand for the jab usually goes up during the flu season.
Former Medical Practitioners Coalition Association of Malaysia president Dr Raj Kumar Maharajah also said there is enough stock of the vaccine at the moment.
“Many are coming in for vaccines due to the influenza outbreak,” he said.
OSAKA: Penang has launched Silicon Island at the World Expo 2025, marking a historic milestone in a journey to reaffirm its position as the Silicon Valley of the East.
The launch, officiated by Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, showcased the state’s bold vision to elevate Malaysia’s standing in the global electrical and electronics (E&E) industry while driving sustainable economic growth for decades to come.
In his keynote address, Chow drew parallels between Silicon Island and Yumeshima Island – the site of the World Expo – highlighting how this masterfully planned reclaimed island is set to become a world-class hub for innovation, technology and logistics, echoing the success of leading global tech clusters.
Chow described Silicon Island as one of Penang’s most ambitious projects, a 920ha reclaimed land development in southern Penang that mirrors Japan’s own Yumeshima Island.
“Silicon Island is not just a piece of land, it is a promise that Penang will continue to lead where innovation meets sustainability,” he said.
Strategically located just minutes from Penang International Airport, Silicon Island is designed to provide seamless global connectivity, enabling efficient movement of goods and talent – an essential advantage for the fast-growing E&E industry and its time-sensitive supply chains.
Meanwhile, the development of SilicoEight Samurain Island also pays tribute to Penang’s pioneering past.
Inspired by the legacy of the “Eight Samurai” – the trailblazing multinational corporations that established Penang’s first E&E ecosystem in Bayan Lepas – this project applies decades of hard-earned experience to captivate the world once again.
For the past 50 years, Bayan Lepas has been the lynchpin of Penang’s economy, anchoring Malaysia’s rise as a global E&E powerhouse. The next 50 years will be defined by Silicon Island – Penang’s new frontier for innovation, investment and sustainable growth.
Beyond industry, Silicon Island introduces a unique tourism proposition, blending innovation with lifestyle to create a destination where technology, sustainability and culture converge.
PETALING JAYA: Several export-oriented sectors in Malaysia will be impacted if there is a prolonged shutdown of the US government, say industry players.
As one of the country’s largest export markets, contingency plans should be drawn up to assist the affected sectors in weathering the effects of the political impasse in Washington DC.
Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia treasurer-general Datuk Koong Lin Loong said that while the impact of a short-term shutdown would be minimal, an extended one would create a ripple effect on the US economy and Malaysian exporters.
“If US civil servants are not paid their salary, this will decrease their spending power and consumption. This in turn will affect the export of our furniture to the United States.
PETALING JAYA: Several export-oriented sectors in Malaysia will be impacted if there is a prolonged shutdown of the US government, say industry players.
As one of the country’s largest export markets, contingency plans should be drawn up to assist the affected sectors in weathering the effects of the political impasse in Washington DC.
Associated Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia treasurer-general Datuk Koong Lin Loong said that while the impact of a short-term shutdown would be minimal, an extended one would create a ripple effect on the US economy and Malaysian exporters.
“If US civil servants are not paid their salary, this will decrease their spending power and consumption. This in turn will affect the export of our furniture to the United States.
“Also, the shutdown will interrupt services such as customs clearance at the ports and entry points in the United States. This will become an issue for our exporters.
“The disruption to the logistics sector would have an impact on the supply chain.
“This will be especially true for Malaysian companies involved in the export of electrical and electronics (E&E) products to the United States, which is a major importer,” he said when contacted yesterday.
The United States is one of the largest importers of Malaysian E&E, totalling almost RM120bil last year and representing about 20% of the country’s total E&E exports.
Of these figures, some RM60bil were semiconductor products, which account for about 20% of Malaysia’s total semiconductor exports.
Koong suggests that Malaysia leverage its position as Asean Chair to coordinate with other Asean members states and regional countries in facilitating exports.
“We could leverage the strength of Asean as a whole in respect of the individual countries’ niche products and services,” he added.
If there is a prolonged shutdown, he said the government should assist exporters by exploring other potential markets such as the Middle East and Africa.
Koong noted that development grants and soft loans, which were announced in Budget 2026, could help small and medium enterprises (SMEs) weather the effects of a prolonged shutdown.
The US government shutdown, which began on Oct 1, was triggered by the US Congress’ rejection of a Republican funding Bill, resulting in some 750,000 federal government workers being furloughed without pay.
The deadlock is expected to persist for a third week despite pressure from President Donald Trump on the Democrats to support the Republican Bill.
Airfreight Forwarders Association of Malaysia chairman Thomas Mathew said the shutdown, though a US domestic political issue, carries far-reaching implications for the global economy.
“As one of the world’s largest importers and exporters, any disruption in the operations of US federal agencies reverberates through supply chains worldwide,” he said when contacted yesterday.
Among the immediate impacts of the shutdown are delays in customs clearance, port congestion and slower regulatory processing by key US agencies, he added.
“This includes the Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the Department of Commerce, and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
“These delays can significantly disrupt the flow of goods into and out of the United States, prompting re-routing, rescheduling, and increased costs across shipping networks,” he said.
Mathew said a prolonged shutdown would have a multifaceted impact on Malaysia, as the country is a key trading partner of the United States, particularly in the E&E and manufacturing sectors.
“Malaysia may encounter delays in order fulfilment, payment cycles, and reduced demand from US buyers facing their own domestic uncertainties,” he said.
He added that there could also be logistical slowdowns affecting compliance-dependent sectors that require US regulatory approvals, such as semiconductors, medical devices and pharmaceuticals.
“Additionally, any resulting market volatility may impact the ringgit, investor confidence and broader business sentiment in Malaysia,” he said.
While a short-term shutdown can be absorbed with minimal disruption, a prolonged one risks undermining the predictability and efficiency upon which global trade and export-driven economies rely on.
Mathew suggests that contingency plans are drafted for the affected sectors.
“Diversifying trade partnerships will be key for Malaysian businesses navigating such external shocks,” he added.
Malaysian Consortium of Mid-Tier Companies honorary president Callum Chen said a prolonged shutdown would be a double whammy to businesses, not only globally but also Malaysian too.
“The impact will make things worse. Ports in the United States are already jam-packed with stuck containers due to tariff uncertainties.
“Most US SMEs are already facing cash flow problems due to the tariffs,” he said when contacted.
He added that unpaid US federal workers would be forced to prioritise their spending.
“They will have less money to buy things, and their priority will be putting food on the table,” he said.
Chen expects the latest episode to be longer than the previous 35-day shutdown from Dec 22, 2018, to Jan 25, 2019, which is the longest in US history.
“Everyone is in a limbo and this only creates more uncertainty for businesses,” he said.
https://www.thestar.com.my/news/world/2025/10/11/white-house-says-substantial-us-government-job-cuts-have-begun
https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2025/10/12/experts-theres-a-silver-lining-amid-us-shutdown
China's Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) on Sunday slamm
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