State Health Committee chairman Dr Afif Bahardin said 88 new cases were reported as of Wednesday, bringing the total to 2,170 since January.
During this same period last year, only 1,084 cases were reported.
Afif said despite the 100.2% increase, he was confident the number of cases would taper off eventually and said the disease was rarely fatal.
“The disease can heal in seven to nine days. Some cases may cause complications, but a large number would heal with quarantine and adequate rest.”
Afif also denied rumours on social media that an HFMD patient had died. He said three patients were currently warded.
“The only way to resolve this is for parents not to bring their children to public places and ensure they practise good hygiene,” Afif said in Komtar today.
“My young children are in preschool too and the school operator has ensured that everything is clean and all precautions are taken.
“This is the only way we can cut down the number of cases,” he said.
He said over 800 nurseries, childcare centres, pre-schools and schools were being checked by health authorities.
Five schools, with some of their classes temporarily closed, are SJK (C) Sum Sun, SJK (C) Chong Cheng, SK Sungai Bakap, SK Saujana and SJK (C) Moh Ghee Pusat.
SJK (C) Shih Chung in Sungai Nibong here is closed for now.
HFMD is caused by a viral infection, specifically of the Coxsackie A16 and Enterovirus 71 (EV71) types. The virus spreads through contact with saliva, blisters and faeces of patients.
The infections are usually mild, with fever and blisters on the hands, feet, mouth and tongue.