Malaysia Reports 503 New TB Cases a Week, Public Urged to Wear Masks

JAKARTA - A total of 503 new cases of tuberculosis (TB) were reported in Malaysia in the period 1 - 7 February. In a statement issued on February 15, the Malaysian Ministry of Health said the latest findings brought the cumulative number of TB cases to 2,571.

The state of Sabah recorded the highest number with 614 cases or 23.88 percent of the total report. The next position was occupied by Selangor with 476 cases (18.51 percent), followed by Sarawak with 257 cases (10 percent). Johor was next in line with 233 cases (9.06 percent).

Kuala Lumpur recorded 202 cases (7.86 percent). Penang reported 148 cases (5.76 percent), followed by Kedah with 144 cases (5.60 percent) and Perak with 127 cases (4.94 percent).

Lower numbers were reported in other states, namely Kelantan with 96 cases (3.73 percent), Pahang 81 cases (3.15 percent), Terengganu 60 cases (2.33 percent), and Negeri Sembilan 58 cases (2.26 percent). Meanwhile, Melaka recorded 42 cases (1.63 percent), Perlis 17 cases (0.66 percent), and Labuan the lowest with 16 cases or 0.62 percent of the total.

Ahead of the upcoming seasonal and long holidays, the public is urged to remain vigilant in preventing and controlling TB transmission.

"The prevention steps include the application of proper coughing and sneezing etiquette and wearing masks in crowded places," said the Malaysian Ministry of Health, quoted from The Straits Times website on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.

In addition, people who experience symptoms such as prolonged cough, fever, loss of appetite, or weight loss without a clear cause are asked to immediately undergo a check-up at the nearest health facility.

The statement also emphasizes that this effort is not only to know personal risks, but also as a form of social responsibility in protecting oneself, family, and the wider community from the risk of transmission of infectious diseases.