Sarawak adopts handheld X-rays to monitor TB, keeping cases under control

Dr Sim speaking to reporters after attending the bubur lambuk distribution programme with the community in conjunction with Ramadan 2026 at the Stutong Ramadan Bazaar in Kuching on Feb 21, 2026.

By Dayangku Hidayatul

KUCHING, Feb 21: Handheld portable X-ray technology is giving Sarawak a new edge in monitoring tuberculosis (TB) and keeping potential outbreaks under control.

Minister of Public Health, Housing and Local Government Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian said TB remains endemic in Sarawak, but the State has maintained strict monitoring to keep it under control.

“TB exists in Sarawak, but we constantly keep an eye on it because we are always thinking about it. That is why TB here is under control,” he told reporters after attending the bubur lambuk distribution programme with the community in conjunction with Ramadan 2026 at the Stutong Ramadan Bazaar today.

He cited a recent TB cluster in Johor Bahru as a reminder of how quickly outbreaks can happen in areas where the disease is not given attention.

“In more developed places, people stop thinking about TB until suddenly there is an outbreak. Then they need to rush into large-scale contact tracing,” he said, adding that TB was known as a ‘great disguiser’ because its symptoms could resemble other illnesses.

Dr Sim noted to the Bintulu Health Department (PKB), which recently became the first in Malaysia to use handheld X-ray machines for TB screening.

“They now have four handheld X-ray machines worth about RM2 million, donated by Press Metal Group Aluminum Holding Bhd. This allows doctors to go directly to longhouses instead of bringing patients to clinics or hospitals for X-rays,” he said.

He added that the portable technology enables on-site screening, reducing the risk of TB spreading during travel.

Dr Sim explained that the technology was originally developed for military use but has since been adapted for civilian healthcare.

He also praised the initiative of healthcare workers who sought private sponsorship to bring the machines into Sarawak, as the Ministry of Health (MOH) had not previously considered this solution.

“Our doctors on the ground care deeply. They thought about how to solve the problem, learned how to use the technology, and even carried out research and publications to share the knowledge with others,” he said.

He added that there is currently no TB pandemic in Bintulu and that the handheld X-ray machines are part of preventive measures to ensure Sarawak stays ahead of potential outbreaks. — DayakDaily