The government today said it remained free of a deadly bird flu that was spreading across Asia.

"So far, no," deputy health director-general Ismail Merican told a news conference when asked if there were any signs of the virus in Malaysia.

"Don't worry about it. As far as Malaysia is concerned, we have taken preventive measures and God-willing we will not see an outbreak of the disease here," he said.

The neighbouring countries of Thailand and Indonesia have confirmed cases of the deadly virus, along with Vietnam, Cambodia, Japan and South Korea.

Thailand announced its first human fatality from the flu Monday. Six people in Vietnam have died but the other outbreaks have only affected chickens, forcing millions to be culled.

Vigilant

However, health experts are deeply concerned the disease could mutate and start being transmitted among humans.

Malaysian health authorities would remain "vigilant," Ismail said, adding that health clinics had been ordered to keep track of people experiencing flu symptoms.

Malaysia has imposed a ban on the import of chicken products from Thailand, Vietnam, Japan and South Korea and stepped up security measures at the northern Malaysia-Thailand border to prevent the smuggling in of chickens.

Experts say the virus is transmitted to humans through close contact with infected live chickens, rather than by eating their meat. - AFP