However, vendors must receive typhoid vaccinations and complete food-handling courses before being allowed to operate. The state health department will also monitor bazaars to ensure hygiene and food safety rules are followed.

This decision comes as the health ministry recorded 596 new TB cases during Epidemiological Week Six of 2026, bringing the cumulative total this year to 3,161 cases. 

Johor has reported 280 cases so far. Sabah recorded the highest number at 755, followed by Selangor with 596 and Sarawak with 332.

Why these bazaars are important in Malaysia

Malaysia is a Muslim-majority country , and Ramadan bazaars are a central feature of the fasting month, drawing large evening crowds buying food for iftar, the meal that breaks the fast at sunset. 

According to the 2020 national census, 63.5% of Malaysia’s population practices Islam, making Ramadan a major period of heightened social and commercial activity.

The health ministry said it had no plans to reintroduce mandatory mask rules similar to those imposed during the Covid-19 pandemic. Instead, it is encouraging personal responsibility.

While Malaysia has transitioned to the endemic phase of Covid-19, officials warned that respiratory infections — including TB — can spread more easily in crowded or poorly ventilated spaces, particularly if an individual with untreated active TB is present.

Again, the ministry stressed that Ramadan itself does not cause disease transmission, but increased social interaction may raise exposure risks. It advised the public to wear masks if experiencing symptoms such as cough or fever.

Health minister Dzulkefly Ahmad previously said that 85% of TB cases involve Malaysian citizens, with 15% linked to foreigners.

Harriet Tembie Mamba, spokesperson for the Eswatini National AIDS Program (SNAP), said the rollout could significantly reduce new infections.

“We currently have about 4,000 new infections each year. With Lenacapavir, we hope to reduce that number to 2,500,” she said. “It will also reduce stigma and ease the burden of daily adherence. Clinical trials show it is over 96 percent effective — a real game changer for our country.”

The drug’s convenience is also expected to improve adherence among users. Zakhele Shongwe, who currently uses daily PrEP medication, said the biannual injection will ease the challenges many face.

“It will remain in my system for six months. I won’t have to worry about forgetting doses or keep visiting the clinic frequently, which often discourages people from continuing,” he said.

Eswatini has one of the highest HIV prevalence rates in the world . HIV/AIDS was declared a national disaster by King Mswati III in 2002, when antenatal prevalence surpassed 40 percent and over 12,000 people died annually from AIDS-related illnesses. Today, one in four citizens is living with HIV.

The introduction of Lenacapavir is seen as a critical step as the country seeks to curb the epidemic and reduce infections in the years ahead.

In a recent study published in Epilepsia, 17 children were tested with the tool; 12 underwent surgery to remove lesions and 11 are now seizure-free. Experts say the advance could transform treatment for the roughly one in 200 children living with epilepsy.

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