Surge in HFMD cases forces temporary closure of SK Felda Kahang Barat
KLUANG: SK Felda Kahang Barat has suspended operations following a surge in Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) cases among its pupils.
The primary school, located in Felda Kahang Barat, ceased activities as a precautionary measure to allow for thorough disinfection.
A decision on whether the school will reopen is expected by Sunday (April 27), with a possible reopening scheduled for Monday, pending further evaluation.
Johor Health and Environment Committee chairman, Ling Tian Soon, confirmed that district health authorities are currently reviewing the situation.
He added that, as of now, there have been no official directives from the Ministry of Health regarding a prolonged closure.
"The Health Department is assessing the situation, and we are closely monitoring the number of cases," said Ling.
"At this point, the school is temporarily closed for thorough disinfection, and we will make a final decision tomorrow," he told the New Straits Times when contacted.
"The investigation into the outbreak is ongoing, and we are working to identify the source and other details," he added.
Meanwhile, a spokesman for the Johor State Education Department also confirmed the closure, citing a rise in HFMD cases among the pupils.
Earlier, an image of a printed notice with the school in the background was circulated in WhatsApp groups.
Johor has seen a sharp rise in HFMD cases since the beginning of the year, surpassing the alert threshold.
As of Epidemiological Week 16/2025, there were 1,196 reported cases, an increase of 41.9 per cent from 843 cases recorded in Week 15/2025.
Johor Baru recorded the highest number of cases, with 370, followed by Batu Pahat (216), Kluang (142), and Muar (111).
However, Tangkak, Kota Tinggi, and Pontian reported the highest incidence rates.
The majority of HFMD cases involved children aged six years and below, accounting for 85.7 per cent, or 6,971 cases.
Ling said six new clusters had been reported, bringing the total to 60 clusters across all districts, including 22 in kindergartens and 15 in daycare centres.
HFMD, a viral illness typically affecting children under the age of five, is characterised by fever, sores in the mouth, and a rash on the hands and feet.
The disease is highly contagious, prompting authorities to take preventive measures such as school closures and thorough sanitisation.
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