Health, Welfare, Women Empowerment and Family Committee chairman Dr Siti Mariah Mahmud (PH-Seri Serdang) told the state assembly this figure only covers Malaysians and not foreigners.

She said the highest number of registered TB cases is in Petaling district (949), followed by Hulu Langat (799), Klang (599), Gombak (583), Kuala Langat (181), Hulu Selangor (152), Kuala Selangor (135), Sepang (129) and Sabak Bernam (58).

“The health ministry at the federal level conducts active case detection and contact tracing if there are positive cases found in an area.

“For us, we provide a RM800 incentive to TB patients, to support their cost of travelling to hospital or clinics for treatment.

“Medical officers have told us that many patients do not complete their six months’ treatment because they can’t afford the travelling cost,” she said.

In another question, Leong Tuck Chee (PH-Pandamaran) asked how will the state government tackle TB cases among non-Malaysians. He said if not treated, “we fear that TB will spread to us”.

Siti Mariah said the state government will relook into the RM800 subsidy policy with the state health department as the payment only applies to citizens.

“They have to pay the cost of treatment as required by the health ministry. We will not hesitate to assist them if positive cases come forward.

“For now, some NGOs are running clinics for these patients and if they refer them to us, we will do what we can to help curb the spread of TB among them,” she said.