PETALING JAYA: Calls are being made for tighter screenings at Immigration checkpoints and detention centres with tuberculosis (TB) cases among non-citizens on the rise over the past five years.
Prof Dr Sharifa Ezat Wan Puteh, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia’s professor of Public Health Medicine, said foreigners here may have contracted the disease in their countries.
“But that also means they can transmit TB to locals. This is why screening of foreign workers is crucial before they enter the country,” she added.
She said TB cases among Malaysians has been trending at the same level over the past six years, with a slight decrease in prevalence from 86.9% to 83.9% in 2024.
However, she said there was an increase in cases among non-citizens, with the percentage increasing from 13.2% in 2019 to 16.1% in 2024.
The trend in mortality rates showed that deaths due to the disease have been increasing.
“The risks are many, such as the strength of one’s immune system. So people with existing diseases such as uncontrolled diabetes, those with HIV and the elderly may have an increased risk of contracting primary TB infections.
“The risks also increase among those living in populated places, such as hostels, crowded homes and prisons which might be conducive for the transmission of TB which can be airborne,” she added.
Prof Sharifa said no access to healthcare facilities, late diagnosis or treatment and failing to go for follow-ups could also be detrimental to patients, adding that those infected can develop multidrug-resistant TB.
“One has to understand the symptoms such as chronic cough, night sweats, loss of appetite and weight, bleeding when coughing or malaise.
“If you have these persistent symptoms, get yourself examined. Besides the traditional chest X-ray, skin testing and sputum test, there are also newer gene testing techniques that are faster although more expensive,” she pointed out.
Senator Dr RA Lingeshwaran said the Health Ministry should be stricter to ensure early detection among migrants.
“Collaboration with employers should also be enhanced to mandate regular TB screenings for foreign workers, particularly in high-risk industries,” he said.
To check further transmissions, he said accessible treatment options must be provided for undocumented migrants to ensure that they receive proper medical care.
“These measures will help curb the spread of TB, protect public health and align with Malaysia’s commitment to global disease control efforts,” said the former Hospital Sungai Bakap director.
