Six Students Test Positive for TB in Pengerang Cluster, Situation Under Control
PENGERANG, Feb 5: Six students are among 33 individuals who have tested positive for tuberculosis (TB) following the detection of a TB cluster in Pengerang, Johor.
Johor State Education and Information Committee chairman Aznan Tamin said the cases were confirmed by the Ministry of Health (MOH) after extensive close-contact screening. The affected students comprise four males and two females.
“All the students involved have been instructed to undergo quarantine and are currently receiving appropriate medical treatment. They are being closely monitored by the Ministry of Health in line with established health protocols,” he said in a statement on Thursday night.
Aznan added that officials from the district health office (PKD) have visited the schools involved to conduct briefings and engagement sessions with school administrators. These sessions aimed to raise awareness about tuberculosis and to explain preventive measures that should be taken by schools, students, and parents.
He stressed that schools must continue to strictly adhere to all directives and guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health, particularly those related to hygiene practices, student health monitoring, and follow-up actions recommended by health authorities.
“At this point, no instruction has been issued to close any schools, as the situation remains under control and is being closely monitored by the Ministry of Health,” he said.
Aznan also urged the public not to spread unverified information or misinformation regarding the matter, warning that it could lead to unnecessary panic and anxiety.
“Members of the public are advised to refer only to official statements from the Ministry of Health or authorized Johor state government channels for accurate and reliable information,” he added.
He reaffirmed the Johor state government’s commitment to safeguarding the health, safety, and well-being of students and school communities, noting that close cooperation with the Ministry of Health and other relevant agencies will continue.
The Ministry of Health first detected the TB cluster in the Pengerang area on Jan 25. Since then, a total of 804 close contacts have been screened, with 33 individuals testing positive.
Tuberculosis is an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis and spreads through the air via close contact. Health authorities emphasized that TB is both preventable and fully curable, provided patients complete a minimum treatment period of six months.