Malaysia has reported 10 new tuberculosis (TB) clusters as of Feb. 7, prompting health experts to advise travelers to consider wearing face masks during the upcoming holiday season to prevent the spread of the disease.
Recent TB Cases in Malaysia and Singapore
On Feb. 10, Malaysia’s Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad reported 37 TB cases detected in Kota Tinggi, Johor. This cluster includes six students, three of whom have already recovered, according to state education and information committee chairman Aznan Tamin on Feb. 12.
Between Jan. 1 and Feb. 7, a total of 2,571 TB cases were reported across Malaysia, according to local media outlet Malay Mail.
With Chinese New Year and Ramadan beginning next week, increased travel to Malaysia is anticipated from Singapore.
Understanding Tuberculosis
TB is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis, primarily affecting the lungs. Possible symptoms include a persistent cough, fever, coughing blood, night sweats, and weight loss.
TB is considered an endemic disease in Singapore, meaning it remains permanently present in the community, similar to dengue and influenza. In 2024, Singapore recorded 1,156 new cases of active TB disease, with an incidence rate of 27.6 cases per 100,000 residents, according to the Ministry of Health’s latest statistics published in March 2025.
Exposure to the bacteria can result in either active TB disease or latent TB infection. Active TB disease occurs when the body cannot kill or contain the bacteria, leading to symptoms and infectivity. Latent TB infection develops when the body prevents bacterial growth, with no symptoms or transmission to others.
According to Professor Hsu Li Yang, an infectious diseases expert at the NUS Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, “The vast majority of people exposed to TB do not develop the disease in their lifetimes. For those who do, generally this occurs months to years later.” He recommends consulting a doctor for protracted coughing, especially if accompanied by fever, unintended weight loss, or night sweats.
Travel Advice and Precautions
Currently, Professor Hsu does not believe there is a need to postpone travel plans to Malaysia due to the recent outbreak. However, he emphasized the importance of following guidance from local health authorities and Singapore’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He also noted that wearing a mask in crowded places is generally sensible.
TB spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes, typically requiring close and prolonged contact for transmission. Those at risk include individuals with close, daily contact with infected persons, such as household members, colleagues, or classmates.
Certain groups are at higher risk of developing TB, including children under five and the elderly. Individuals with medical conditions like HIV and diabetes, weakened immune systems, or substance abuse issues are also more vulnerable.
“For those with suppressed immune systems, it is good to reconsider whether travel is really necessary,” Prof Hsu said.
Treatment and Prevention
TB is a treatable disease. Individuals identified as contacts by the Communicable Diseases Agency (CDA) should undergo screening. Active TB disease is treated with anti-TB medication, typically a combination of drugs taken for at least six to nine months, often under direct observation by a healthcare worker in Singapore.
Preventive treatment, lasting about four to six months, may be offered to individuals with latent TB infection. Professor Hsu advises those who test positive for latent TB to adhere to the prescribed treatment to prevent the development of active disease. Untreated active TB can lead to severe lung damage, disability, or death.
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