Majlis Amanah Rakyat (Mara) chairman Asyraf Wajdi Dusuki said each affected college reported more than 50 influenza cases.

“Students showing flu symptoms must get treatment at clinics or hospitals. Those who are ill will be separated from healthy students, and all must wear face masks,” Berita Harian quoted him as saying.

He said MRSMs that remain open have been told to provide enough drinking water, stop all outdoor activities, and stay in contact with district health offices.

“Mara always prioritises the wellbeing of the MRSM community. Preventive steps are being carried out continuously to contain the spread,” he said.

Earlier, Asyraf said any MRSM with more than 50 cases of the flu could send students home and switch to online lessons while the premises are sanitised.

The health ministry recently reported 97 influenza clusters nationwide last week, up from 14 the previous week. Most were in schools.

Selangor recorded the highest number of clusters with 43, followed by Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya (15), Penang (10), Johor (nine) and Kedah (five).