MUKAH: Sarawak remains among the states with a high rate of tuberculosis (TB) cases in the country, although the overall trend of the infectious disease has not shown a significant increase.
Deputy Health Minister Datuk Hanifah Hajar Taib said that while the TB situation in Sarawak remains stable, the case rate is still higher than in several other states and warrants sustained attention.
She emphasised that early detection and community screening efforts must be strengthened to curb transmission, particularly among family members and close contacts of patients.
"The TB trend in Sarawak has not increased, but it has also not declined significantly. The case rate remains relatively high and requires continuous efforts in screening and early treatment,” she said.
She advised individuals experiencing symptoms such as a persistent cough lasting more than two weeks, prolonged fever - especially in the evenings - unexplained weight loss and loss of appetite to seek immediate medical attention at the nearest clinic or hospital.
She also cautioned that coughing up blood indicates a more advanced stage of infection and requires urgent treatment.
Family members, housemates and close contacts of TB patients are encouraged to undergo screening, including sputum examinations and chest X-rays, to enable early detection and prompt intervention.
The public is also reminded to adopt preventive measures, including ensuring proper ventilation at home, as TB spreads more easily in enclosed and crowded environments.
According to Ministry of Health data up to Epidemiology Week 6 (ME6/2026), a total of 3,161 TB cases were recorded nationwide, with Sarawak reporting 332 cases, the third highest in the country.
Meanwhile, on the Ramadan Bazaar Food Safety Programme, Hanifah said the initiative marks the nationwide rollout of Ramadan bazaar monitoring operations, now in its fourth year.
She added that the integrated monitoring operations cover inspections of raw material supplier premises, including ice factories, as well as food preparation facilities licensed by local authorities. – Bernama
