Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – Malaysia has identified 10 new active tuberculosis (TB) clusters as of Feb. 7, according to the Health Ministry.
Malaysia Reports 10 New Active TB Clusters in 2026
Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad told the House of Representatives that Selangor recorded the highest number of clusters, with four involving a total of 10 cases.
Johor reported one cluster with 37 cases, while Kedah and Kelantan each recorded one cluster with two cases. Pahang has one cluster involving four cases, Perlis with one cluster involving two cases, and Sabah with one cluster involving five cases.
The information was provided in response to a question from Kuala Langat MP Ahmad Yunus Hairi during Ministers’ Question Time on Feb. 10, regarding the latest status of TB clusters by state and the number of active cases under monitoring.
Ahmad Yunus also inquired about specific screening and control measures implemented in high-risk institutions, including boarding schools, prisons, and worker hostels.
Dzulkefly stated that screening in these institutions follows the Tuberculosis Information System Manual (TBIS 2018), focusing on contact identification, evaluation, and screening.
The screening process involves checking for symptoms like persistent cough, fever, loss of appetite, and weight loss, alongside a clinical lung examination. This is followed by chest X-rays and sputum examinations, including microscopy and culture.
Control measures include ensuring early anti-TB treatment for diagnosed individuals. Close contacts without active TB are screened for infection or latent TB and started on preventive treatment. Treatment is monitored daily through Directly Observed Therapy at nearby health facilities.
Individuals with symptoms are advised to practice proper cough etiquette, covering their mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
The Health Ministry continuously monitors TB cluster situations and aims to improve service delivery through early detection and treatment.
The Health Minister highlighted a cluster in Kota Tinggi, Johor, as a “wake-up call” for the country. The cluster involves a 72-year-old Al-Quran teacher and, as of Feb. 7, includes 37 cases – 29 children and eight adults – all currently receiving treatment at nearby health facilities.
TB is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis, spreading through the air via close contact with an infected person. A TB cluster is defined as two or more epidemiologically linked cases, suggesting a common chain of transmission.
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