KUCHING: Sarawak is closely monitoring the human metapneumovirus (hMPV) situation following a surge in cases in China and will implement necessary measures to safeguard public health, said Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian.
Dr Sim, who is also the Minister for Public Health, Housing and Local Government, said he had discussed the matter with Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas, who is also the Sarawak Disaster Management Committee (SDMC) chairman, after the Ministry of Health (MOH) issued a statement on the rising MPV cases in Malaysia on Wednesday.
“In Sarawak, we possess the Protection of Public Health Ordinance, which empowers us to act swiftly if required,” he told reporters after a lion eye-dotting ceremony at the Tua Pek Kong Temple today (Jan 5).
“We will diligently monitor the situation in the coming days and weeks and will escalate measures as needed, mirroring our approach during the COVID-19 pandemic,” he added.
Dr Sim said that MOH is also closely tracking the situation nationwide.
“If cases exceed a certain threshold, the matter will fall under Act 342, necessitating mandatory reporting to authorities and subsequent quarantine or emergency orders,” he said.
He explained that during colder months, viruses causing upper respiratory infections are prevalent.
“Like hMPV, it is a common virus that induces upper respiratory infections. While not new, it lacks specific treatments or vaccines.
“People often attribute it to the common cold, which could stem from influenza, COVID-19, or hMPV. Essentially, there is no cure,” he said.
He noted that most individuals recover from hMPV, but significant outbreaks pose risks to vulnerable groups such as the elderly, those with chronic illnesses like diabetes, and the immunocompromised, who may require hospital or intensive care unit (ICU) support.
While hMPV has existed for decades, mutations, as observed with Covid-19, could enhance its infectiousness.
“In China, I haven’t seen the RNA sequencing data to determine if this particular hMPV strain is more infectious. Most cases are typically mild.
“However, sudden mutations could lead to heightened transmissibility and widespread infection,” he said.
He emphasised the crucial role of the Sarawak Infectious Disease Centre (SIDC) in addressing emerging threats like these.
In light of the case surge in China, Dr Sim urged Sarawakians to remain vigilant and adhere to necessary precautions.
“The key lessons from COVID-19 are the importance of general hygiene – regular handwashing, wearing face masks, and avoiding public spaces when unwell,” he advised.
Dr Sim also discouraged non-essential travel to areas experiencing outbreaks.
“Currently, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has not declared hMPV an emergency.
“However, common sense should prevail. Why travel during an outbreak when hospitals are overwhelmed? You can always postpone your holiday.
“Unless your intention is to deliberately contract the virus, which I strongly advise against,” he said.
Meanwhile, MOH reported 327 hMPV infection cases in 2024, a significant increase from the 225 cases recorded in 2023.
