Malaysia TB outbreak reaches 3,161 cases as government appeals for masks at Ramadan bazaars

Malaysia's Health Ministry has urged the public to wear masks in crowded, enclosed places, improve indoor ventilation, and seek medical attention for coughs lasting more than two weeks, as tuberculosis (TB) notifications reached 3,161 by mid-February.

Week 6 update: 596 new cases, 3,161 total by Feb. 14

In its surveillance update for Epidemiological Week 6 (Feb. 8 to 14), the ministry reported 596 new TB cases, bringing the cumulative total for 2026 to 3,161 cases as of Feb. 14. An earlier update cited 503 new cases for Feb. 1 to 7, bringing the cumulative total to 2,571 as of Feb. 7.

The Week 6 breakdown listed the highest cumulative totals in Sabah, Selangor, and Sarawak.

State or Federal Territory	Cases (2026 to Feb. 14)
Sabah	755
Selangor	596
Sarawak	332
Johor	280
Kuala Lumpur + Putrajaya	244
Perlis	21
Labuan	18

The ministry has highlighted environments it says increase exposure risk, including crowded, enclosed, and poorly ventilated spaces, particularly when someone with untreated active pulmonary TB is present. Officials also clarified that Ramadan itself is not a cause" of TB transmission, while noting that increased social interaction during the month can raise exposure opportunities if precautions are not observed.

The ministry noted that TB typically spreads more slowly than fast-moving respiratory viruses and is often linked to prolonged, repeated exposure - meaning cases appearing in weekly updates may reflect infections acquired earlier. The health minister added that a minor hike" should be interpreted cautiously, as it may reflect enhanced case detection, contact screening, and improvements in the notification system, according to the New Straits Times.

Kota Tinggi cluster: 33 cases after screening 804 contacts

Public attention increased after reports of a TB cluster in Kota Tinggi, Johor. The Ministry of Health confirmed the cluster was detected on Jan. 25, with 33 positive cases identified after screening 804 close contacts as of Feb. 4.

Malaysia reported 10 new TB clusters detected in early 2026 across multiple states. The ministry describes a TB cluster as active if it spans two incubation periods, defined as six months under Malaysian epidemic management guidance.

In Johor, officials said there would be no change to standard operating procedures for Ramadan bazaars despite the rise in TB cases, including no requirement for traders or food handlers to wear masks as an added precaution.

Malaysia's health minister said 85% of reported TB cases involve Malaysians and 15% involve foreigners.

TB is typically treated with a combination of antibiotics taken for at least six to nine months; incomplete treatment can contribute to drug resistance. BCG vaccination against TB is included in Malaysia's National Immunisation Programme and is provided free to babies and children according to a schedule set by the Ministry of Health.