Expert warns of human risk from monkey malaria in Sabah amid high cases

By Olivia Miwil

May 1, 2026 @ 12:19pm

Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) medicine professor Dr Jenarun Jelip has called for measures to protect people living in Sabah’s forested areas, citing the high rate of monkey malaria cases in the state, which account for half of the cases nationwide. — NSTP/ASYRAF HAMZAH

KOTA KINABALU: A medical expert has called for measures to protect people living in Sabah's forested areas, citing the high rate of monkey malaria cases in the state, which account for half of the cases nationwide.

Quoting data from the Health Ministry and Sabah Health Department, Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) medicine professor Dr Jenarun Jelip said while local transmission of human malaria was no longer a risk in Malaysia, the threat of monkey malaria remained.

He said of the 2,063 monkey malaria cases nationwide, a total of 1,154 were recorded in Sabah.

Monkey malaria can spread to humans through infected mosquitoes and can be fatal.

He said that while malaria manifestations depend on the parasite species, the primary symptom is recurring fever.

"Patients typically experience phases of high fever, chills and sweating that recur every 12, 36 or 72 hours depending on the type of malaria.

"This differs from dengue symptoms, which usually involve a sudden high fever accompanied by muscle pain and pain behind the eyes," he said.

Dr Jenarun said that high-risk groups include those involved in logging, research, ecotourism and recreation due to their exposure to mosquito bites.

He said challenges in treatment include patient non-compliance with medication and delays in seeking medical attention.

"There are patients who do not seek early medical attention despite showing symptoms, resulting in the disease being detected at a critical stage," he said.

He said malaria treatment typically takes three days, though certain types may require up to two weeks, with patients usually admitted to hospital for monitoring.

On prevention, he advised the public to use personal protective measures such as wearing long-sleeved clothing, repellent and mosquito coils.

"UMS is currently conducting research to develop rapid detection methods specifically for monkey malaria, as well as community-based prevention programmes.

"We aim to empower communities so they can take preventive measures at both individual and community levels," he said.