KUALA LUMPUR, July 28 (Bernama) -- Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) will start its mid-term break tomorrow, two weeks earlier than scheduled, to control the spread of influenza A (H1N1) among its students.

It is learnt that four of UPM students have been tested positive for the virus so far, where two of them are currently undergoing home quarantine, while the other two are quarantined at the hostel.

Bernama was also made to understand that the number would increase as several other students were being tested after showing symptoms of the disease.

UPM vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Nik Mustapha R. Abdullah in a statement here today, said that the decision to start the mid-term break earlier and close the campus starting tomorrow till Aug 4, was made upon the Health Ministry's advice.

"Originally, the mid-term break for 2009/2010 were to commence on Aug 17 until 23," he said, adding that all academic and non-academic activities planned throughout the mid-term break would be cancelled.

Meanwhile in MIRI, Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Chung Hua Miri became the first school here to be ordered closed for one week starting today after one of the students there was suspected of being infected with Influenza A (H1N1).

The school's senior assistant, Albert Ong told reporters that a written order signed by the Miri Divisional Medical Officer Dr Muhammad Rais Abdullah was received today requiring the school to stop classes until Aug 3.

Ong said the temporary closure would affect 2,480 students and 150 staff of the school.

He advised the students and staff to quarantine themselves at home during the period as a prevention against possible spread of the disease.

Yesterday, a male student from the school was admitted to the Miri hospital after he was found having the flu.