Malaysia, Singapore heighten Nipah vigilance; airports tighten checks for arrivals

Airports in several Asian jurisdictions have tightened health screening for arriving passengers, with flights from India drawing particular attention, amid heightened regional vigilance over the Nipah virus.

Malaysia’s Health Ministry said on Thursday (Jan. 29, 2026) that the country has not recorded a Nipah case since 1999, but is stepping up preparedness due to the risk of cross‑border transmission following sporadic infections reported elsewhere.

As part of the measures, Malaysia said it is strengthening public health readiness at points of entry, including international airports, sea ports and land borders, in line with existing protocols.

Singapore has taken similar steps. The Communicable Diseases Agency (CDA) said it is closely monitoring the situation in West Bengal, India, and has raised its alert level as a precaution.

The CDA said health advisories have been issued to travelers at entry points, and temperature screening has been enhanced at the airport for flights originating from affected areas.

Singapore has also reminded hospitals and emergency departments to stay alert for possible Nipah infections among patients who present compatible symptoms and have a recent travel history to impacted locations.

In addition, the CDA said the Ministry of Manpower has increased monitoring of newly arrived migrant workers from South Asia, while primary care providers have been engaged to heighten clinical vigilance.

Elsewhere in the region, Thailand, Nepal, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Myanmar have reportedly reinforced medical surveillance and inbound passenger controls at airports and border crossings.

Vietnam has also strengthened monitoring of passengers arriving from high‑risk areas at major gateways including Noi Bai, Tan Son Nhat and Phu Quoc international airports, as part of efforts to prevent a Nipah‑related outbreak from entering the country.

Authorities have urged passengers to comply with health screening procedures, declare their health conditions honestly and cooperate with quarantine officers.

Public health guidance in multiple countries has also emphasized reducing contact with wild animals—particularly fruit bats—avoiding foods that may pose transmission risks, eating thoroughly cooked food, drinking boiled water and washing hands regularly.

In Indonesia, the Soekarno‑Hatta International Airport’s Center for Health Quarantine (BBKK) said it has increased screening and vigilance for international arrivals from countries reporting cases.

Officials also reminded travelers to maintain hygiene as part of broader prevention efforts.

“We have the All Indonesia application, which includes a health declaration. This declaration serves as an early warning or risk mapping tool for passengers whose flights are about to land at Soekarno‑Hatta and other international airports. If a passenger shows signs and symptoms, we will carry out further checks,” BBKK Soekarno‑Hatta head Naning Nugrahini said, as quoted on Wednesday (Jan. 28) by DetikTravel.

Beyond the digital health declaration, the BBKK said it will intensify monitoring using thermal scanners, while passengers arriving from countries with reported cases may also be subject to visual observation.

Naning urged travelers to maintain their health and personal cleanliness. She also reminded on‑site teams to follow hygiene practices and use protective equipment such as masks and gloves.

Indonesianpost.com | Detik