Kuala lumpur: A total of 503 new tuberculosis (TB) cases were detected nationwide up to Epidemiological Week 5 this year (EW 5/2026), bringing the cumulative total to 2,571 cases.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Ministry of Health (MOH) reported that Sabah recorded the highest number of TB cases at 614, followed by Selangor with 476 cases. Other regions with significant numbers include Sarawak with 257, Johor with 233, and Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya collectively reporting 202 cases.

Penang reported 148 cases, while Kedah had 144. Perak recorded 127 cases, Kelantan had 96, Pahang reported 81, and Terengganu saw 60 cases. Negeri Sembilan had 58 cases, Melaka reported 42, Perlis had 17, and Labuan recorded 16 cases.

With the festive season and long holidays approaching, MOH advised the public to remain vigilant by practising proper cough and sneeze etiquette and wearing face masks in crowded areas. It also urged those experiencing symptoms such as prolonged cough, fever, loss of appetite, or weight loss to undergo screening at the nearest health facility.

'These measures are not only based on the principle of self-risk assessment but also reflect an important social responsibility to protect oneself, family members, and the community from infectious diseases,' the statement read.