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The Ministry of Health (MOH) has confirmed 33 tuberculosis (TB) cases linked to a cluster in Kota Tinggi, Johor
In a statement yesterday, 4 February, the Johor State Health Department said the Kota Tinggi District Health Office first confirmed a TB outbreak in a locality within its district on 25 January.
As of 4 February, a total of 33 cases were identified through active case detection involving 804 close contacts.
All patients have since begun treatment and are being closely monitored at nearby health facilities.
One death has been reported in the cluster
However, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad stressed that the fatality was not caused by tuberculosis, urging the public not to spread misinformation that could trigger panic.
He added that health authorities are currently on the ground and taking aggressive measures to contain the spread of the disease.
"The Ministry of Health is currently on high alert, and active case detection will continue to ensure the safety of the local community," he said.
Salam 🇲🇾 Madani ❤️,
— Dzulkefly Ahmad (@DrDzul) February 4, 2026
– Breaking News –
Saya kongsikan PS tentang laporan Wabak Tuberkulosis (Tibi) di Kota Tinggi, Johor. Pasukan kesihatan @KKMPutrajaya kini berada di lapangan & bertindak agresif untuk membendung penularan.
📍 Status Terkini: PKD Kota Tinggi telah… pic.twitter.com/36wetTavcf
Dr Dzulkefly also advised residents in the surrounding area who are experiencing prolonged cough, fever, or night sweats to seek screening immediately
"Do not wait until it becomes severe," he warned.
Tuberculosis, also known as batuk kering, is an infectious disease caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis that spreads through the air, typically affecting people in close contact, and primarily affects the lungs.
Common symptoms include prolonged cough, significant weight loss, loss of appetite, night sweats, and coughing up blood. TB is preventable and fully curable with proper treatment, which typically requires at least six months of antibiotics.
