Education Ministry takes swift action to address TB risk in schools

 

The Education Ministry has taken swift action in line with the advice and guidelines of the Health Ministry to manage any potential risk of tuberculosis (TB) transmission in schools.

Education Minister Fadhlina Sidek said monitoring and case management are carried out immediately to safeguard the well-being of students, teachers, and school staff.

She added that the situation is under control thanks to close cooperation between the Education Ministry and the Health Ministry at the federal, state, and district levels.

“Every health-related report is addressed promptly and in accordance with the standard operating procedures established,” she told a press conference today.

She said all reporting is conducted immediately in line with the Health Ministry guidelines to ensure any potential risk is managed at an early stage and does not compromise the safety of the school community.

Fadhlina emphasised that her ministry adopts a preventive approach and maintains continuous preparedness in managing health issues in schools.

‘Spread under control’

Johor Education and Information Committee chairperson Aznan Tamin said three of the seven students in the state who contracted TB have recovered, while the remaining four are still under quarantine.

He added that the three recovered students are primary school pupils in Kota Tinggi, while three others from the same district and one from Pontian remain quarantined in accordance with health protocols.

“The students (who recovered) were monitored for a week before being allowed to return to school,” he told a press conference after officiating Petrosains Playfarm Johor Bahru today.

He said a total of 804 close contacts, including teachers, students, and family members, were screened in the Kota Tinggi cluster, with six students testing positive.

In Pontian, 31 students were screened, with one confirmed case.

He added that the spread of TB in schools remains under control, and appropriate measures have been implemented to prevent further transmission.

Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad reportedly stated that 37 TB cases have been detected in Johor to date.

- Bernama