PUTRAJAYA – As people throng Ramadan bazaars and head to mosques for prayers, the Health Ministry reminds Malaysians that tuberculosis (TB) remains a serious threat, with more than 3,000 cases recorded nationwide so far this year.
The ministry said TB spreads more easily in crowded and poorly ventilated spaces.
It said increased social activities during Ramadan can mean closer and longer contact between people, raising the risk of exposure.
However, simple precautions can make a difference.
Wearing a mask in packed areas, practising proper cough and sneeze etiquette and ensuring good airflow indoors can help reduce the risk of infection.
Anyone with a cough lasting more than two weeks or other related symptoms should seek medical attention immediately.
The ministry stressed that the risk is higher if there is someone with active TB who has not received treatment.
However, it said the actual chance of infection depends on factors such as the duration of exposure, ventilation and a person’s overall health.
On Feb 21, it was reported that a total of 596 new tuberculosis (TB) cases were reported nationwide up to Epidemiological Week Six (EW 6/2026), bringing the cumulative number this year to 3,161.
Sabah recorded the highest number of cases at 755, followed by Selangor (596), Sarawak (332), Johor (280) and Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya (244).
Other states recorded the following cases: Kedah (181), Penang (172), Perak (154), Kelantan (121), Pahang (103), Terengganu (74), Negeri Sembilan (62), Melaka (48), Perlis (21) and Labuan (18).
The ministry said TB is preventable and fully curable through effective treatment, with a minimum treatment period of six months.