Strengthen tuberculosis (TB) screening at immigration checkpoints and detention centres

A senator has urged the Health Ministry to beef up tuberculosis (TB) screening at immigration checkpoints and migrant detention centres to ensure early detection among migrant population.

“Additionally, collaborations with employers should be enhanced to mandate regular TB screenings for foreign workers, particularly in high-risk industries,” said Senator Dr A Lingeshwaran.

“To prevent further transmission, accessible treatment options must be provided for undocumented migrants, ensuring they receive proper medical care.

“These measures will help curb the spread of TB, protect public health, and align with Malaysia’s commitment to global disease control efforts.”

He said this in response to a Dewan Negara reply that he received on March 13 regarding TB cases involving Malaysians and migrant workers.

Statistics since the year 2019 to 2024 indicated that there is a steady rise in the cases of migrant workers who have been infected with TB.

In 2019, 3384 migrant workers had TB. This was equivalent to 13.2% By 2024, migrant workers made up 16.1% of the TB patients, equivalent to 4,224 patients.

The death toll due to TB in Malaysia too have risen from 6.8 for every 100,000 population in 2019 to 7.58 in 2024.