PETALING JAYA: Some 85% of reported tuberculosis (TB) cases in the country involved Malaysians, says Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad (pic). The Health Minister said this data is contrary to public sentiment, as foreigners account for only 15% of reported TB cases. “Recently, various perceptions have emerged linking the spread of TB to the influx of foreign nationals. “Data from the Health Ministry confirms that 85% of reported cases involve local citizens, while only 15% involve foreigners. On Monday, the Health Ministry said a total of 503 new TB cases were detected nationwide as of the fifth epidemiological week of this year, bringing the cumulative total to 2,571 cases.

Source: The Star February 19, 2026 12:04 UTC