Tuberculosis Risk Increases at Malaysia Ramadan Bazaars

As over 20 million Malaysians come together for iftar to break their fast during Ramadan, the government is urging caution regarding tuberculosis (TB) due to a rise in case numbers.

In 2026, Ramadan began around February 18–19 and lasts approximately 29–30 days. While Ramadan activities themselves do not directly contribute to the spread of TB, crowded and poorly ventilated environments, such as bazaars and communal meals, can increase the risk of exposure.

The Health Ministry reported 596 new TB infections in Epidemiological Week 6 of 2026, bringing the nationwide total to 3,161, according to a Facebook statement released on February 23, 2026. 

About 85% of TB cases are Malaysian citizens, with many international visitors being impacted by this respiratory disease. 

Sabah has the highest number of cases, with 755 (23.88%), followed by Selangor with 596 (18.85%) and Sarawak with 332 (10.50%).

This data indicates a 9.8% increase in TB cases compared to the same period in 2025.

The Ministry link rises partly to better screening, detection, tracing, and notifications—not solely transmission surges.

Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad stresses the importance of early diagnosis, full treatment adherence, high-risk screening, drug-resistant TB management, and preventive therapy under the National Strategic Plan to End TB (2021–2030) and global targets.

Prevention emphasizes the Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine, a century-old live attenuated preparation from Mycobacterium bovis and the world's only licensed TB vaccine in routine use.

In Malaysia's National Immunisation Programme 2026, the BCG vaccine is administered free of charge to all newborns, typically within the first week of life. This vaccination protects infants and young children from severe forms of TB, such as TB meningitis and disseminated TB.

However, its effectiveness against adult pulmonary TB is variable and limited.

While the specific TB substrain may vary, such as Danish 1331 or a similar strain, the standard BCG formulation remains the same.

Currently, no new TB vaccines are recommended for general use, although several candidates are progressing through clinical trials.

Ministry officials emphasize that TB is preventable, urging Malaysians to stay vigilant during gatherings and to seek medical attention promptly if they experience symptoms.

In the United States, the TICE BCG vaccine is approved, but has limited distribution.

While the U.S. CDC Travel Health Notice for Malaysia recommends various travel vaccinations, such as chikungunya, measles, and rabies, the BCG is not one of them.