THE recent tuberculosis (TB) cluster in Kota Tinggi, Johor and the reported 10% increase in TB notifications nationwide compared to the same period last year have raised understandable public concern. It is important to clarify that TB was never eliminated in Malaysia. We remain an intermediate-burden country like many in our region. An increase in reported cases, especially after active screening of a cluster, does not automatically mean the disease is spreading uncontrollably.

Source: The Star February 25, 2026 05:07 UTC