The Ministry of Health (MOH) has confirmed 17 malaria cases were reported in Terengganu between January and May this year, but stressed that all infections were imported and the situation remains under control.
The clarification follows the circulation of an internal alert letter issued by the Terengganu State Health Department (JKNT) on June 3, which recently went viral on social media.
JKNT said the letter was distributed to healthcare facilities across the state to strengthen preparedness and enhance early detection efforts following a rise in imported malaria cases since early May.
Of the 17 cases reported, 13 involved human malaria infections while four were zoonotic malaria cases.
Among the human malaria cases, 11 involved undocumented migrants, while two were recorded among documented foreign nationals.
“All cases were contracted outside the country and classified as imported cases,” JKNT said in a statement.
The department stressed that Terengganu continues to maintain its zero local human malaria status, with no local transmission detected among residents or foreign nationals in the state.
It said all cases were identified early, treated promptly and transmission chains successfully interrupted.
Despite the absence of local infections, JKNT said it remains vigilant as imported malaria cases could increase the risk of local transmission.
To contain the disease, JKNT have intensified surveillance and contact tracing activities, stepped up vector control measures, ensured all positive cases receive complete treatment, and issued alerts to healthcare facilities statewide.
Health education campaigns are also being carried out in high-risk localities, particularly settlements housing foreign workers, while coordination efforts continue through district-level action committees.
JKNT urged the public to avoid speculation and rely on official MOH channels for updates on the malaria situation.
The department reaffirmed its commitment to protecting public health and maintaining Terengganu’s malaria-free local transmission status.
