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Malaysia Flags TB Risk With 3,161 Cases as Johor Keeps Ramadan Bazaar Rules

Health officials urge masking, improved ventilation, prompt checks for persistent coughs during crowded gatherings.

Overview

  • Malaysia recorded 596 new tuberculosis cases for Feb 8–14, lifting the cumulative total to 3,161, the Health Ministry said on Feb 21.
  • Sabah leads reported cases with 755, followed by Selangor at 596 and Sarawak at 332, with lower tallies across other states and federal territories.
  • The ministry advised masking in crowded or enclosed spaces, better indoor ventilation, cough and sneeze etiquette, and medical evaluation for coughs lasting more than two weeks.
  • Officials emphasized that TB usually spreads more slowly than influenza or Covid-19 and typically requires prolonged or repeated exposure, particularly in poorly ventilated places.
  • Johor announced no changes to Ramadan bazaar standard operating procedures, maintaining requirements for traders’ typhoid vaccination and food-handling courses while health teams monitor compliance.