SARAWAK REMAINS AT HIGH RISK OF TB, PUBLIC ADVISED TO UNDERGO SCREENING

MUKAH, 27 Feb (Bernama) -- Sarawak remains among the states with a high rate of tuberculosis or 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, while not disclosing the figures,  said the TB situation in Sarawak remains stable without any sudden spike.

However, she stressed that the case rate is still higher than in several other states and therefore warrants sustained attention.

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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.

Hanifah was speaking to reporters after launching the state-level Ramadan Bazaar Food Safety Programme 2026 at the Dalat and Mukah District Council Ramadan Bazaar in Medan Ria Setia Raja here today.

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 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. Each year, improvements and new measures are introduced to enhance hygiene standards and food safety compliance.

She added that the integrated monitoring operations also cover inspections of raw material supplier premises, including ice factories, as well as food preparation facilities licensed by local authorities (PBT).

-- BERNAMA