Deputy state minister urges stricter crowd control, facemask use as TB cases rise in Sarawak

KUCHING: With Ramadan Bazaars mushrooming across Sarawak, organisers have been urged to impose stricter crowd control and encourage facemask use amid rising Tuberculosis (TB) cases in the state.

Deputy Minister in the Sarawak Premier’s Office Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi said the increase in TB cases could worsen if precautionary measures are not implemented.

“We have issued an advisory for the public to wear facemasks in crowded places, especially at Ramadan Bazaars. City hall must brief organisers on strict measures, including facemask use and crowd screening,” he said, adding that TB spreads through airborne transmission.

Dr Rahman also advised individuals with persistent coughs to seek medical checks immediately.

State Public Health Minister Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian confirmed that 332 new TB cases have been reported in Sarawak since January 1. While stressing there is no mass outbreak, he warned that rising numbers are cause for concern.

“People seem to have forgotten TB is still prevalent in Sarawak. If the public is not careful, it can easily spread and spiral into an outbreak,” Dr Sim said.

He noted that mobile TB detection units have been deployed, including handheld screening facilities in Bintulu, allowing health teams to reach remote longhouses quickly.

Both leaders urged the public to exercise caution, wear facemasks in crowded areas, and remain vigilant against TB, which is highly contagious through coughing and sneezing.

 The Sun Malaysia