Malaysia is stepping up its vigilance on Influenza A (H1N1) as it braces for the coming Aidilfitri holiday season and the likely second wave of the pandemic to hit the world.

Health Minister Liow Tiong Lai said the ministry was also strengthening its surveillance, treatment and particularly, public communication system, in a bid to contain the spread of the influenza, despite a drop in number of infections this month.

He said doctors and nurses at government healthcare facilities had been ordered to be on call and stand-by during the period.

h1n1 flu malaysia school children students wearing mask 260609 05 "The number of infections and influenza-like illness (ILI) symptoms has drop this month as compared to last month.

"However, we are strengthening the surveillance system in our preparedness to face the second wave," he told reporters after opening the National A (H1N1) Influenza Pandemic Conference 2009 here today.

The day-long event was jointly organised by the ministry, Malaysian Medical Association and the Federation of Private Medical Practitioners Associations of Malaysia.

Liow expressed concern that the exodus of revellers during the 'balik kampung' season might cause a sharp rise in infections.

"I am confident of our detection and treatment system for the people. However, I advise them to be more careful and not suppress whatever sickness," he said adding that if they had high fever for more than 48 hours, they should seek medical treatment.

He said the first batch of A (H1N1) vaccine was scheduled to arrive at the end of next month.

Death toll remains at 74

Meanwhile, as of today, 45 new ILI cases were admitted to hospital while another 166 patients were discharged, leaving 983 patients undergoing treatment at 103 hospitals nationwide.

Of the 983 cases, Liow said 215 were confirmed A (H1N1) positive, with 42 warded at the intensive care unit, including 32 in the high-risk group.

Deaths recorded remain at 74.

In a statement issued today, Liow also explained that the throat swab would be carried out on patients who are admitted to hospitals.

- Bernama