The Johor state government has assured that the spread of Tuberculosis (TB) involving schoolchildren in the Kota Tinggi district remains under control and is being closely monitored by the Ministry of Health (MOH).
State Education and Information Committee chairman Aznan Tamin said no school closures have been ordered by health authorities so far, following the detection of cases linked to schools in the area.
He said contact tracing carried out by the MOH confirmed six students tested positive for TB, comprising four boys and two girls.
“All affected students have been instructed to undergo quarantine and are receiving appropriate medical treatment. They are currently under close monitoring by the MOH in accordance with established health protocols,” he said in a statement on Thursday.
Aznan added that the District Health Office (DHO) had also conducted visits to the affected schools to hold briefings and engagement sessions with school management teams.
According to him, the sessions were aimed at explaining the nature of TB and outlining preventive measures that should be taken by schools, students and parents. He stressed that clear communication was essential to ensure cooperation and prevent unnecessary fear.
He further emphasised that all schools must strictly adhere to guidelines and directives issued by the MOH, including maintaining hygiene standards, monitoring students’ health and implementing any follow-up actions as advised by health officials.
Aznan also urged the public to refrain from spreading unverified information or false news related to the issue, warning that such actions could create undue anxiety and panic within the community.
“All official information should be referred to statements issued by the MOH or the Johor state government’s official channels,” he said.
On Wednesday, the MOH confirmed the detection of a TB cluster in Kota Tinggi on Jan 25. As of Feb 4, a total of 33 positive cases were identified following screening of 804 close contacts.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said MOH teams are currently on the ground and have intensified response measures to curb further transmission of the disease.
