Malaysia recorded 88 TB clusters in 2025; 35 remain active with new cases in 2026
PETALING JAYA: A total of 88 tuberculosis (TB) clusters were reported nationwide last year, with 35 still active, Health Minister Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad told the Dewan Rakyat, today.
“In 2025, a total of 88 TB clusters were reported nationwide, involving 254 TB cases. Of these, 35 clusters are still active.
“As of Feb 7 this year, 10 new TB clusters have been reported, with Selangor recording four.”
On control measures, he outlined screening and treatment protocols in high-risk settings.
“Screening in high-risk institutions such as boarding schools, prisons and worker dormitories includes symptom checks, chest X-rays, sputum tests and rapid molecular testing.”
“Confirmed TB patients are given immediate anti-TB treatment and monitored daily under Directly Observed Therapy.”
Dzulkefly was responding to Datuk Dr Ahmad Yunus Hairi (Kuala Langat-PN), who asked for the latest status of TB clusters by state, the number of active monitored cases and screening and control measures in high-risk institutions.
Dzulkefly also highlighted the risks posed by latent infections.
“Latent TB is dangerous because the bacteria can remain in the body without symptoms and reactivate when a person’s immunity drops.”
Dzulkefly said vaccination coverage among newborns remains high.
“Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccination coverage for newborns in Malaysia is around 99%.. However, there is still no effective TB vaccine for adults.
“What we are facing today is antimicrobial resistance, resistance to antibiotics, including TB drugs.
“This is a major global challenge and a serious future threat when antibiotics can no longer effectively treat infections that were once easily cured.”
In a supplementary question, Suhaizan Kaiat (Pulai-PH) raised concerns regarding a current cluster in Kota Tinggi, Johor.
“The Kota Tinggi cluster began on Jan 25 with a 72-year-old Quran teacher as the index case. As of Feb 7, there are 37 cases; 29 children and eight adults.
“A total of 903 close contacts have been identified and screened. Most cases were detected through active case detection,” Dzulkefly clarified.
All identified cases are receiving treatment and are being monitored, the minister added.
