There has been a significant increase in hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) in the country, with a total of 28,957 cases reported for the period since January until yesterday nationwide, compared to only 4,239 cases for the whole of last year, said Health Minister Khairy Jamaluddin.

However, he said the increase was expected with the reopening of all economic sectors, including the resumption of the education sector and resumption of face-to-face learning, as well as kindergartens and child care centres.