Millions of Malaysia Visitors Should Consider Pre-Arrival Vaccinations in 2026

As millions of international travelers visit Malaysia in 2026, local health authorities are sounding the alarm over a significant rise in tuberculosis (TB) cases nationwide.

The Malaysian Ministry of Health (MOH) has reported a marked increase in TB infections in the early weeks of 2026, prompting updated advisories for visitors.

By mid-February 2026, the MOH recorded a total of 3,161 cases, representing a 10% rise compared to the same period in previous years.

In Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya, 244 TB cases have been reported, approximately 7.7% of the national total.

For TB prevention, the Bacille Calmette-Guérin vaccine is not routinely given in countries with low incidence rates but may be recommended for high-risk travelers.

While TB is the primary public health concern this year, travelers should also be vigilant against endemic diseases such as dengue fever, malaria, and rabies.

Pre-travel vaccinations and preventive measures are crucial for mitigating health risks, according to guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization.

Dengue fever remains a persistent threat, with outbreaks typically peaking during the rainy season, from October to February.

Malaria is prevalent in rural areas of Sabah and Sarawak on Borneo, although urban Peninsular Malaysia is generally considered low risk. Travelers to Borneo should consider taking antimalarial medications for added protection.

Over the last few months, an increased number of cases of rabies have been reported in humans in Sarawak, Malaysia. To prevent rabies, travelers should avoid wild animals and unfamiliar dogs and cats. Before traveling abroad, consult your healthcare provider about pre-exposure rabies vaccination.

With over 40 million international visitors arriving in Malaysia last year, the Ministry of Health advises everyone to take steps to stay healthy when visiting this Southeast Asian country. For the latest health updates, it is important to monitor information from the Malaysian Ministry of Health and CDC Travel Notices.

From a security perspective, the U.S. State Department's Level 2 - Exercise Increased Caution notice says Malaysia is generally a safe destination for travelers. However, visitors should exercise increased caution on islands and maritime areas off the coast of Eastern Sabah from Kudat in the north to Tawau in the south due to civil unrest.

The WHO emphasizes that safe travel requires proactive health planning and that ensuring vaccinations are administered well before departure is essential.