Education director-general Azam Ahmad said the closures were carried out in accordance with procedures and guidelines set by the health ministry to ensure the safety of students, teachers and school staff, Bernama reported.

He said schools had also been instructed to implement preventive and control measures to curb the spread of influenza among students.

“We already have extensive experience in dealing with infectious diseases from the Covid-19 pandemic.

“We have reminded schools to follow these guidelines, encourage the use of face masks and reduce large group activities among students,” he told a press conference in Putrajaya today.

Azam said the education ministry is prepared for any situation ahead of the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia examination on Nov 3.

Last Thursday, the health ministry reported 97 clusters of influenza A and B infections during Epidemiological Week 40/2025, compared with 14 clusters the previous week. Most of the cases detected were in educational institutions.

All states recorded an increase in cases, with the highest number in Selangor (43 clusters), Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya (15 each), Penang (10), Johor (9), and Kedah (5), with most patients exhibiting mild symptoms.