Increase in TB cases major concern in Selangor

The number of tuberculosis (TB) cases in Selangor has increased compared with last year, raising fears that the once dreaded disease is back.

State executive councillor in charge of health, estate workers and poverty, Dr Xavier Jayakumar said from Jan 1 to Nov 3 this year, 2,697 cases were reported, a figure that was 307 cases more than what was reported in 2011 for the same period.

"From the 2,697 cases, 100 deaths were recorded compared with 95 for the same period last year," he said when answering a question from Saari Sungib (PAS-Hulu Klang) who wanted to know the number of TB cases in Selangor.

He said Petaling District registered the highest number of cases with 831, followed by Hulu Langat (601), Gombak (461), Klang (430), Hulu Selangor (98), Kuala Langat (87), Kuala Selangor (86), Sepang (52) and Sabak Bernam (52).

Dr Xavier said lack of comprehensive screening of foreign workers who entered the country and an increase in the number of convicts in the Kajang and Sungai Buloh prisons had also contributed to the increase.