Dzulkefly urged Malaysians against being anxious about the outbreak, reiterating that it was not widespread, Utusan Malaysia reported.

“We will continue investigating (the outbreak) and handling the matter with a sense of utmost urgency. It is not a surge (in infections) but is merely an isolated case,” he was quoted as saying.

So far, an 18-year-old Orang Asli girl has died while eight others have contracted the disease since Jan 2. Kampung Chergun and Kampung Guntur have since been placed under quarantine by health authorities.

Leprosy, also known as Hansen’s disease, is an infection caused by a slow-growing bacteria called mycobacterium leprae. Victims could end up handicapped or lose functions in their hands or joints due to the disease.

The number of leprosy cases reported in the country in 2021 was 142. This increased to 183 in 2022 and 256 in 2023.

The health ministry has set its sights on recording zero new local leprosy cases by 2030.