Malaysia has ramped up health screenings at all international entry points, particularly in the maritime sector, to prevent hantavirus from entering the country, according to Health Minister Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad.

Dzulkefly assured the public that as of Sunday, there have been zero hantavirus cases reported in Malaysia or involving Malaysians, noting that the six lab-confirmed cases recently highlighted were all reported abroad.

However, he stressed that the country must remain vigilant against the rodent-borne virus.

“We do not want to be alarmist, but we also do not want the people to be complacent. No country is safe unless we take precautionary measures and remain prepared,” he told reporters.

To fortify the nation’s borders, Dzulkefly said strict monitoring is being enforced on the maritime sector, with health inspections mandated for all ships and vessels entering Malaysian waters, especially those arriving from high-risk areas.

He said that up to May, a total of 22,367 ships and boats have been inspected at Malaysia’s entry points.