Tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious infectious disease primarily caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It most commonly affects the lungs but can also spread to other parts of the body.
Despite being preventable and curable, TB remains one of the world’s deadliest infectious diseases.
Because it remains a threat, modern TB control focuses on early detection, effective treatment and prevention.
Recently, it was reported that a man was jailed for refusing mandatory TB treatment.
Is this true?
Verdict:
True
The accused, 30-year-old Almahzar Madin, pleaded guilty after the charge was read before Magistrate Yong Ching Hong on Thursday (Feb 12).
He was sentenced to six months in jail by the Sandakan Magistrate’s Court.
He was charged under Section 12A of the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988 for failing to comply with a treatment order, thereby exposing the public to the risk of infection.
He was also charged under Section 22(b) of the same Act for disobeying a lawful order issued by an authorised officer to undergo treatment.
Both offences carry a maximum penalty of a RM10,000 fine or up to two years’ imprisonment, or both, upon conviction.
The court further ordered Almahzar to complete the full course of treatment as required by health authorities.
Environmental Health Officer Sufri Ismail prosecuted the case, while the accused was unrepresented.
