KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia is free from the monkeypox virus and remains alert to arrest any situation, said Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin today.
In a 1.28-minute video posted on his official Twitter account, Khairy said the country has not reported monkeypox cases and advised Malaysians travelling overseas to be vigilant.
"To those who are travelling abroad, especially to countries with reported monkeypox cases, always be cautious.
"Avoid activities that can cause monkeypox infections. If you have symptoms, get treated fast. Take care," he said.
Khairy said the Health Ministry has a strategic plan in place to face the risk of monkeypox occurrences in Malaysia.
Among them are detection procedures and case notifications; sample taking, investigations and case management as well as close contacts and surveillance at international entry points such as airports.
Khairy added that from May 27, the ministry has incorporated a monkeypox health alert feature in the MySejahtera application.
"After a traveller fills up a pre-departure form on the app, the person who arrives from a monkeypox endemic area or country that has reported cases will receive an alert as a reminder to conduct self-health monitoring in case of any symptom," he said.
Monkeypox , a zoonotic disease endemic in the animal population in western and central Africa, has been reported in Europe, North America, Australia, United Arab Emirates as well as Morocco.