Health Ministry Urges Malaysians to Use Masks Amid Rise in Tuberculosis Cases Nationwide

The ministry said individuals showing symptoms such as fever, cough, flu or sore throat should be especially mindful about masking up. It also recommended wearing face coverings in crowded settings, enclosed spaces with limited airflow, healthcare facilities, and when interacting with high‑risk groups like the elderly, people with chronic conditions or those who are immunocompromised.

According to the ministry, the protective habits Malaysians adopted during the Covid‑19 era remain valuable in curbing infectious diseases, especially those spread through the air or close contact.

Although Malaysia has entered the endemic phase of Covid‑19, the threat of respiratory infections, from influenza to Covid‑19 and other airborne illnesses, continues to linger, it added. The ministry stressed that mask usage should be viewed as a risk‑based, personal responsibility for safeguarding oneself and others.

Local citizens make up majority of TB cases

Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad recently revealed that Malaysians make up 85% of the country’s TB cases, while the remaining 15% involve foreigners. He noted that TB is closely linked to socio‑economic pressures such as cramped living conditions and malnutrition.

Datuk seri dr dzulkefly ahmad

Dr Dzulkefly also said the rise in case numbers may be partly due to intensified screening efforts, contact tracing and improved reporting systems. Even so, he confirmed a slight increase in TB incidence this year, rising to 9.2 cases per 100,000 people compared with 8.4 per 100,000 last year.