By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Feb 28: The public should not panic over the rise in reported tuberculosis (TB) cases, as early detection and timely, comprehensive treatment remain the key to preventing serious and irreversible damage/
Speaking during the ShallWeeTalk live session hosted by Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor Wee Hong Seng today, Senior Principal Assistant Director and Public Health Medicine Specialist at the Sarawak Health Department, Dr Emmanuel Fong, stressed that TB is treatable and curable, and that increased case detection can reflect improved screening efforts rather than a worsening crisis.
“TB is not a new disease. It has existed for thousands of years. In fact, traces of TB have even been found in ancient Egyptian mummies,” he said, adding that TB is endemic in Malaysia, meaning it has long been present in the community.
BCG vaccination protects newborns
Addressing concerns about vaccination, Dr Fong explained that every newborn in Malaysia is offered the Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine at birth.
“The purpose of the BCG vaccine is to protect newborns, whose immune systems are still weak or not fully developed, against tuberculosis,” he said.
While not legally mandatory, the vaccine is strongly encouraged. It helps prevent severe forms of TB, such as TB meningitis and disseminated TB affecting the whole body. Dr Fong urged parents to ensure their babies receive the vaccination at the hospital after birth.
Airborne, but requires prolonged contact
Dr Fong clarified that TB spreads through the air but typically requires prolonged and close contact.
“It is not as simple as meeting someone once and becoming infected the next day,” he said.
When a TB case is identified, health authorities will screen close contacts, including household members and colleagues who share enclosed spaces regularly. These individuals may be monitored for up to two years to ensure they do not develop active infection.
He noted that infection between spouses depends partly on immune strength, but screening remains essential to rule out active disease.
Majority of cases involve Malaysians
Dispelling misconceptions, Dr Fong said most TB cases currently involve Malaysian citizens, not foreigners.
“An increase in detected cases can sometimes reflect better screening and earlier diagnosis. This is positive because early detection reduces transmission,” he said, noting that TB mortality rates have declined in recent years.
According to the Ministry of Health Malaysia, Malaysia recorded 3,161 TB cases nationwide up to Epidemiological Week 6 of 2026, with 596 new infections detected in the latest surveillance period.
Sabah logged the highest number of cases at 755 (23.88 per cent), followed by Selangor with 596 (18.85 per cent) and Sarawak with 332 cases (10.50 per cent).
Active vs latent TB
Dr Fong explained that there are two types of TB infection — active and latent.
Active TB causes symptoms and can spread to others, while latent TB occurs when bacteria remain in the body in an inactive state. Individuals with latent TB have no symptoms and cannot transmit the disease, but the bacteria can become active if immunity weakens.
Latent TB can be detected through a skin test (Mantoux test) or blood test. Treatment options have improved, with some regimens now requiring only three months and reducing the risk of developing active TB by more than 90 per cent.
“TB bacteria can remain dormant for years and only become active when immunity declines, especially in older age or due to chronic illnesses such as diabetes and kidney failure,” he said.
Older adults among high-risk groups
Dr Fong highlighted that people aged 60 and above are at higher risk of TB due to generally weaker immune systems.
“We find that the majority of TB cases occur among older individuals. They are more susceptible, especially if living in crowded settings or having prolonged close contact with someone with active TB,” he said.
Under the National TB (NTB) strategy, the Sarawak Health Department is prioritising high-risk groups, including older adults, individuals with diabetes, chronic illnesses, those on immunosuppressive therapy, and dialysis patients.
“We aim to screen them for latent TB infection or underlying active TB so cases can be detected early before the disease worsens or spreads,” he said.
Treatment completion crucial
Dr Fong emphasised that TB is fully curable if patients adhere strictly to the prescribed medication regime. Active TB treatment typically lasts six months, while preventive therapy for latent TB may be shorter.
“Unlike chronic diseases such as diabetes or hypertension that require lifelong control, TB can be cured after completing the full course of medication,” he said.
However, delayed treatment can result in severe lung damage that may be difficult to reverse.
“TB becomes dangerous when a person is infected but does not seek treatment. Early detection and proper treatment prevent complications and long-term damage,” he said.
Cooperation and ending stigma essential
Dr Fong urged close contacts of TB patients to cooperate with health authorities and attend screening appointments.
“If our health team identifies you as a close contact, please do not be afraid. Early detection protects you and your loved ones,” he said.
He also called on patients to be forthcoming about their close contacts to help prevent further transmission.
One of the biggest challenges, he noted, is social stigma. “When people hear ‘TB’, they may react negatively or discriminate. This discourages individuals from seeking help early. Addressing stigma is crucial in the fight against tuberculosis,” he said.
All TB-related services, including screening and treatment, are available at government health clinics and hospitals.
In conclusion, Dr Fong reassured the public that while TB remains endemic, it is controllable and curable.
“There is no need to panic. With awareness, early detection, adherence to treatment, and proper follow-up, TB can be completely cured,” he said. — DayakDaily
