KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 18 — Eighty-five per cent of tuberculosis (TB) patients in the country are Malaysians, said Health Minister Datuk Seri Dzulkefly Ahmad.
He said the perception linking the spread of TB to foreigners is not accurate based on Health Ministry (MOH) data.
“This means the risk of transmission within our community is real and should not be taken lightly,” he posted on Facebook today.
He said TB is not a new phenomenon in the public health landscape, and remains an endemic disease that requires serious attention from all parties.
TB is not just a clinical issue but also one closely linked to socio-economic factors, such as crowded living conditions and malnutrition, Dzulkefly added.
“The mycobacterium tuberculosis germ is very stubborn, but the good news is that it can be prevented, treated and fully cured if detected early, and patients adhere to the antibiotic treatment regimen for at least six months,” he said.
Dzulkefly urged the public to be aware of the symptoms, such as a cough lasting more than two weeks, fever, night sweats, and weight loss, and to seek immediate treatment at clinics.
He also advised the public not to shun TB patients, while stressing that emotional support from family and the community is key to ensuring patients complete their treatment.
As a preventive measure, he urged parents to ensure their children receive the Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccine, practise a healthy lifestyle, and ensure good home ventilation.
“The ministry is committed to empowering active detection strategies and collaboration with various agencies through the whole-of-government approach to end the TB endemic in Malaysia. Together, let’s protect our families and communities,” Dzulkefly said.
