Let’s stay alert, stay informed, and take simple, effective steps to keep our families safe.
As parents, one of our biggest concerns is the health of our children—especially during outbreaks of contagious illnesses like Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD). Alarmingly, Malaysia is currently facing a sharp spike in HFMD cases, with 99,601 cases recorded nationwide as of Week 17, according to the Ministry of Health.
That’s a 266% increase compared to the same period last year, says The Star, in a report quoting MOH data. This sharp surge has left many parents concerned and looking for ways to keep their little ones safe—especially those with toddlers and preschoolers who are most vulnerable.
Dr. Ch’ng Tong Wei, Consultant General Paediatrician at Sunway Medical Centre, shares several reasons for the current spike. “HFMD tends to peak in Malaysia after the March–April heat and into the first half of the southwest monsoon wet season,” she explains. “Warm, humid weather allows the virus to survive longer on hands, toys and surfaces.”
The crowded conditions in nurseries and kindergartens also contribute to the spread, especially with young children who frequently put their hands and toys in their mouths. On top of that, Dr. Ch’ng adds:
“Covid‑era distancing left young children with fewer viral exposures. As life returned to normal, a larger pool of susceptible toddlers emerged.”
About 80% of HFMD cases in Malaysia involve children under six years old, with the highest risk among toddlers aged one to three. Their developing immune systems and frequent hand-to-mouth habits make them especially susceptible.
Most children experience 3–7 days of fever, mouth ulcers and blisters on the palms and soles. While the illness is usually mild, rare complications such as dehydration or viral meningitis can occur.
Dr. Ch’ng urges parents to seek emergency care if a child develops high fever, seizures, stiff neck, or has trouble breathing.
The virus spreads through saliva, fluid from blisters, stool, and even via contaminated surfaces. It can survive for days—especially on damp, frequently touched surfaces like toys, tables, doorknobs, toilet handles and even walls.
High-risk zones at home include:
In childcare settings, be cautious with:
Protecting your child from HFMD doesn’t require drastic changes — but it does take consistency, awareness, and a few smart habits. According to Dr. Ch’ng Tong Wei, prevention begins with the basics: hygiene, cleanliness, and early isolation when someone falls ill.
Here are her top recommendations for parents:
Long-term habits like keeping nails short and teaching children not to bite their nails or suck fingers can also help.
Of course, as any parent knows, maintaining a spotless home isn’t always easy—especially with active little ones running around, touching everything, and leaving tiny messes in their wake. Even with our best efforts at hand-washing and disinfecting, viruses like HFMD can still linger on surfaces we may not think to clean as often. That’s why it helps to build protection into your home itself.
This is where Nippon Paint’s VirusGuard and Spot-Less Plus Series come in—not just as paint choices, but as practical tools to support your family’s health. These innovative paints can help reduce the spread of viruses and make it easier to maintain a clean, kid-friendly environment without constant scrubbing or worry.
While the recent surge in HFMD cases may be worrying, there’s a lot we can do as parents to protect our children. It starts with good hygiene, frequent hand-washing, keeping sick kids isolated—and being mindful of our home environments.
As Dr. Ch’ng reminds us, “most HFMD cases are mild, but early prevention and care make a big difference.”
Note: The colour shades displayed are indicative and not precise representations of our actual paint colours.
© 2025 NIPPON PAINT (MALAYSIA) SDN. BHD. (196701000578) All Rights Reserved
