Deputy PM Ahmad Zahid reports a 54.7% fall in dengue cases and a 59.8% drop in fatalities, crediting national health committee efforts.
PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia recorded a significant 54.7% decline in dengue cases in 2025. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said cases fell to 55,399 from 122,423 the previous year.
Deaths due to dengue complications also fell by 59.8%, with 47 fatalities compared to 117 previously. Ahmad Zahid, who chairs the Cabinet Committee on National Health (JKKN), presented the data at its first meeting for 2026.
“Although this achievement is encouraging, all parties including government agencies, local authorities, the private sector and the community must continue to strengthen efforts to maintain environmental cleanliness to prevent a resurgence of cases in 2026,” he said in a statement.
He said the Ministry of Health will implement the Dengue-Free Community (KomBeD) initiative in selected localities. The initiative focuses on environmental management, empowering community engagement and entomological intervention.
The meeting also stressed compliance with Public Works Department guidelines in all development projects. This is to prevent the breeding of Aedes mosquitoes.
Ahmad Zahid said the JKKN meeting marked a new phase in national health governance. Three separate committees on health, dengue, and child malnutrition are now unified under a single strategic framework.
“This integration reflects the MADANI Government’s commitment to addressing the people’s health needs holistically,” he said. He emphasised collaboration between federal and state governments under a Whole of Nation approach.
Under the National Healthy Malaysia Agenda (ANMS), the government remains committed to enhancing health literacy. Initiatives include roadshows, the Malaysia Healthy and Prosperous Month celebration, and outreach activities.
These efforts are supported by MyCHAMPION volunteers and improved access via Wellness Hubs and Wellness on Wheels (WoW). For 2026–2030, ANMS will be strengthened with a Behavioural Insights approach.
The government is also committed to addressing the burden of child malnutrition. Ahmad Zahid invited parents to become proactive volunteers to safeguard nutrition standards at childcare centres.
He called on the entire government machinery, private sector and the people to work together. The goal is to build a healthy, prosperous and productive Malaysia.
The Sun Malaysia
