The Penang government has stepped up health screening protocols at all entry points into the state, including seaports and airports, following the hantavirus cluster linked to the international cruise ship MV Hondius.
State Youth, Sports and Health Committee chairman Daniel Gooi said the move aligns with directives and ongoing monitoring by the Ministry of Health (MOH), although no cases involving Malaysians have been reported so far.
He said health screening procedures, including the use of infrared thermal scanners to detect travellers with symptoms such as fever, have long been in place at international entry points.
“These protocols are not new. They have been implemented for some time, including the use of thermal imaging cameras to identify passengers with fever-like symptoms upon arrival in the state,” he said at a press conference at the Penang State Legislative Assembly building.
Daniel said the state is now reinforcing these measures and has instructed all relevant personnel to heighten vigilance in response to the virus threat.
He added that while the risk of hantavirus transmission in Malaysia remains low, precautionary steps are being taken, including enhancing laboratory capacity for early detection of any potential cases.
“Hantavirus is a zoonotic disease and, based on MOH information, only certain strains show human-to-human transmission. For now, the risk in Malaysia is considered low,” he said.
On the handling of international cruise passengers and crew, Daniel said all vessels docking at Penang ports are subject to strict health procedures under existing international health regulations.
Health officers are stationed at major entry points, including ports and airports, to carry out inspections and sanitation checks on incoming travellers and ships.
“All vessels will be inspected, including hygiene and infection control measures. This is part of established international health protocols,” he added.
