21/02/2026

SATURDAY | FEB 21, 2026

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Be vigilant against TB during Ramadan, public urged

Initiative to protect marine mammals PUTRAJAYA: The Fisheries Department (DOF) is amending the Fisheries Regulations under Section 27 of the Fisheries Act 1985, namely the Fisheries (Control of Endangered Species of Fish) Regulations 1999, to include nine marine mammal species on the existing protection list. In a statement, DOF director-general Datuk Adnan Hussain said the amendment aims to strengthen regulatory aspects, protection and law enforcement against any form of threat, including bycatch and habitat disturbance. He said the nine marine mammal species proposed for listing were Balaenoptera omurai , Peponocephala electra , Feresa attenuata , Tursiops aduncus , Stenella coeruleoalba , Stenella attenuata , Ziphius cavirostris , Steno bredanensis and Kogia sima. He said all the species comprised whales and dolphins recorded in Malaysian waters, and required additional monitoring and protection to prevent the risk of population decline. “In conjunction with International Marine Mammal Protection Day, the Fisheries Department continues to strengthen its commitment to the conservation of the nation’s marine mammals through the development of the National Plan of Action (NPOA) for dugong , which is based on the latest scientific findings as well as comprehensive and progressive improvements to the legal framework. “ Dugong ( Dugong dugon ) is an indicator species for the health of coastal marine ecosystems and is closely linked to the sustainability of seagrass beds that support fisheries productivity, coastal protection and blue carbon storage. “The International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List emphasises the need for integrated and continuous preservation efforts at the national level,” he said. He said the amendment forms part of the DOF comprehensive approach to ensure integrated conservation of dugongs and other marine mammals, in line with the national biodiversity agenda and targets to expand marine protected areas by 2030. “DOF remains committed to strengthening marine resource governance through science based approaches, field monitoring, research and strategic collaboration with various stakeholders,” he said. In addition to strengthening domestic protection, Adnan said the initiative also supported compliance with international trade standards, including under the United States Marine Mammal Protection Act. “Although Malaysia is not directly subject to this law, countries exporting fisheries products to the United States must ensure their fisheries management systems and bycatch control measures are comparable to the marine mammal protection standards enforced by the United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.” Adnan said the ecosystem-based approach outlined in the NPOA for dugong would focus on marine spatial management, empowering coastal communities, reducing bycatch risks and protecting critical habitats, including seagrass. – Bernama operating along Jalan Tun Tan Siew Sin last week, some of which had resumed operations after earlier enforcement action. The premises, hidden behind retail shops, were found selling controlled medicines believed to have been smuggled into the country, including antidepressants, antibiotics and drugs for chronic illnesses. According to the report, a total of 18 men (17 Bangladeshis and one Myanmar national) were detained for alleged immigration offences, including the misuse of work permits and not possessing valid documents, while the Health Ministry is conducting investigations under the Sale of Drugs Act 1952. – Bernama

Ű BY KIRTINEE RAMESH newsdesk@thesundaily.com

o Experts say transmission risk increases in crowded and enclosed spaces, especially among high-risk group

PETALING JAYA: As Ramadan begins, medical experts are urging the public to stay vigilant against tuberculosis (TB), particularly in crowded spaces such as bazaars, malls and family gatherings. Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Hospital Canselor Tuanku Muhriz consultant internal medicine and respiratory physicians, associate professors Dr Ng Boon Hau, Dr Andrea Ban Yu-Lin and Dr Nik Nuratiqah Nik Abeed said TB transmission risk increases significantly when individuals are exposed to someone with active pulmonary TB in enclosed, crowded or poorly ventilated spaces. “Tuberculosis spreads through the air. Infected droplets can remain suspended longer in enclosed spaces with poor airflow, increasing the risk of transmission,” Ng said. He stressed that early detection is crucial. Individuals experiencing persistent cough lasting more than two weeks should seek medical attention promptly for assessment and testing. “Timely diagnosis and treatment help prevent further spread within the community,” he added. “Preventive measures are particularly important in shared indoor settings such as homes and public spaces where crowds gather,” Ng added. “Ensuring good ventilation by opening windows and doors or improving airflow can significantly reduce airborne transmission risks. “Those with cough symptoms are encouraged to wear masks and practise proper cough etiquette. “Individuals who feel unwell should consider avoiding crowded places or gatherings until medically assessed. “High-risk groups, including older adults and those with multiple comorbidities or weakened immune systems, should minimise exposure to crowded indoor environments.” Addressing concerns about immunity during fasting, Ban said Ramadan is generally safe for healthy individuals and does not inherently weaken the immune system, provided nutrition, hydration and sleep are maintained. “Individuals with underlying medical conditions should remain compliant with their medications, ensure adequate nutritional intake during non-fasting hours and maintain healthy lifestyle habits throughout the fasting month,” she said. She added that no single vitamin or supplement directly improves lung health.

Medical experts advocate the use of masks in crowded spaces such as bazaars and family gatherings. – ADAM AMIR HAMZAH/THESUN

Instead, maintaining overall wellbeing, including adequate sleep, hydration, a balanced diet and managing chronic conditions like diabetes, is key to supporting immunity and respiratory health. “To reduce TB risk, specialists urge anyone with symptoms such as prolonged cough, fever, weight loss or night sweats to seek medical attention promptly. “Symptomatic individuals should wear masks in crowded spaces, while healthy individuals may also consider using a mask in confined gatherings,” said Ban. “Good ventilation is crucial – simply opening windows or using fans could help disperse airborne germs and lower the risk of transmission. “Practising proper cough etiquette and hand hygiene further protects both individuals and the community. Outdoor or open spaces are generally safer than enclosed areas, as fresh air helps disperse infectious droplets.” For those already on TB treatment, Nik Nuratiqah stressed that strict adherence to prescribed medication is essential, with regular daily dosing crucial to ensure a cure and prevent treatment failure or drug resistance. “TB medications can be taken during non-fasting hours, such as at sahur or iftar, ” she said. Those affected should maintain a balanced diet, stay hydrated between iftar and sahur , and monitor for side effects such as nausea,

vomiting or allergic reactions, and seek medical attention if symptoms worsen or medication is not tolerated, she added. Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia public health specialist Prof Dr Sharifa Ezat Wan Puteh said TB primarily spreads through the air, similar to other respiratory diseases, but generally requires prolonged and close contact for transmission. “Although TB transmission takes longer compared with flu or Covid-19, individuals at higher risk of contracting or spreading respiratory infections should avoid crowded public spaces and wear masks,” she said. Individuals showing symptoms of TB should come forward for screening, which typically involves a clinical history, physical examination, sputum test and may include a skin test, chest X-ray and blood work. She added that strict adherence to treatment is essential, as pulmonary TB can become dormant and reappear years later when immunity weakens. “Ensuring good ventilation at home and workplaces, avoiding smoking, alcohol or substance abuse, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle are key preventive measures,” she said. Ultimately, the specialists underscored the importance of self-awareness. “Anyone with a persistent cough, especially lasting more than two weeks, should seek medical evaluation. “Prompt diagnosis and treatment protect both the individual and the community.”

Call for stricter enforcement against illegal clinics KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) has expressed concern over the recent discovery of illegal clinics operating in the capital, at which foreign nationals allegedly pose as doctors and dispense controlled medicines without proper qualifications or registration. Malaysia is strictly regulated to safeguard the public, and only doctors registered with the Malaysian Medical Council and holding a valid Annual Practising Certificate are legally permitted to practise,” he said in a statement. about protecting individuals who may be taken advantage of due to barriers such as cost, language or lack of awareness of the healthcare system.

“Every person in Malaysia, regardless of nationality, deserves safe, ethical and lawful medical care. Firm inter-agency collaboration, regular inspections and decisive penalties are necessary to deter such dangerous activities,” he said. He also advised the public to remain vigilant and to seek treatment only from registered practitioners and licensed healthcare facilities. Earlier, the media reported that the Immigration Department raided nine illegal clinics

Thirunavukarasu urged authorities to intensify surveillance and enforcement efforts to shut down illegal healthcare operations, adding that the presence of such clinics despite previous raids pointed to gaps in sustained enforcement. He added that enforcement activities should be strategically strengthened, especially in areas with a high concentration of migrant workers, as vulnerable communities were often affected. “This is not about any particular group, but

Its president Datuk Dr Thirunavukarasu Rajoo said this raised serious concerns over patient safety and regulatory oversight, particularly as the activities are taking place in the capital. “Patients risk misdiagnosis, inappropriate treatment, complications from unsafe procedures and exposure to counterfeit or improperly dispensed medications. Medical practice in