PETALING JAYA: Some 85% of the reported tuberculosis (TB) cases in Malaysia involved locals, says Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad. Dzulkefly said, contrary to some public sentiment, foreigners make up only 15% of the reported TB cases. “Recently, various perceptions have emerged linking the spread of TB to the influx of foreign nationals. Data from the Health Ministry confirms that 85% of reported cases involve local citizens, while only 15% involve foreigners. On Monday (Feb 16), the Health Ministry reportedly said that a total of 503 new TB cases were detected nationwide up to Epidemiological Week 5 this year, bringing the cumulative total to 2,571 cases.

Source: The Star February 18, 2026 04:58 UTC