KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA: The closure of all schools would be done as a last resort in order not to create a sense of panic among the public.

"On the other hand, we will make sure that stringent measures are taken to control the spread of the flu," Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said.

"It's (school closure) not something we won't do but we'll have to go with other measures first. If others don't work and the number still go up substantially, then we will consider that," the Prime Minister told reporters after opening the National Baitulmal Convention 2009 at the Federal Territory Mosque here yesterday.

So far, four schools - SRK Assunta 1, SRK Assunta 2, Sri Cempaka International School and SJK(C) Davidson - are closed for a week following reports of influenza cases.

Deputy Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Seri Lajim Ukin said all public areas and amenities would be maintained at the ?highest level of cleanliness? to fight the spread of the virus.

He said local councils had been instructed to step up cleaning efforts at public areas, especially toilets, tourists' spots and hawker centres.

Lajim inspected two public toilets and a hawker centre in Kampung Kerinchi here yesterday and expressed dissatisfaction with their condition.

"There are tissue paper and cigarette butts in the basins. The floor is dirty, the mirror broken and the doors are not in good condition," he said.