Malaysia tightens border screenings to prevent hantavirus entry

The health minister said over 20,000 vessels, especially those arriving from high-risk areas, were inspected at Malaysia’s entry points2-MIN READ2-MIN0ListenPublished: 3:45pm, 10 May 2026Malaysia 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.From these inspections, he said 2,421 free pratique certificates and 1,146 ship sanitation certificates have been issued.02:49Hantavirus-hit ship sails for Canary Islands as 3 people evacuated for medical treatmentHantavirus-hit ship sails for Canary Islands as 3 people evacuated for medical treatment“These steps are crucial to ensure that vessels entering our country comply with international public health and sanitation requirements,” he said during a press conference in Cyberjaya on Saturday.Dzulkefly outlined a four-pronged approach taken by the ministry to tackle the threat, including global surveillance and information sharing, strict border controls, targeted maritime monitoring and community empowerment.On the country’s medical readiness, the minister said Malaysia’s healthcare system is fully equipped to detect and treat the virus.He said the Institute for Medical Research has the capacity to diagnose hantavirus using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing.Further Reading“The virus can cause acute respiratory syndrome, similar in nature to Sars, and in more severe cases, it can lead to haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (kidney complications). This is what we are conducting PCR tests for.“Our standard diagnostics and tests are ready. Health offices at all international entry points are also prepared and will continue to strengthen sanitation activities,” he added.Dzulkefly also urged the public to maintain high levels of environmental cleanliness to keep rodent populations at bay and to seek immediate medical treatment if they experience any symptoms.“Risk communication and public awareness campaigns are being intensified so that the public is more alert. A prepared and responsive health system is vital and the health ministry’s response level is currently at a high state of readiness,” he said.hantavirus is a rodent-borne virus transmitted to humans through air contaminated with rat urine, droppings or saliva.On Thursday, it was reported that two Singapore residents aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship were initially suspected of having hantavirus, though both later tested negative.Dzulkefly previously said no Malaysians were aboard the ship, which is anchored near Tenerife, Spain, after a fatal hantavirus outbreak resulted in at least three deaths.This story was first published by The Star