KUALA LUMPUR: The number of dengue cases recorded in 2024 decreased, but the number of deaths increased, says Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
The Deputy Prime Minister reported that 122,423 dengue cases were recorded last year, a 0.6% decrease compared to 2024. However, the number of deaths from these cases rose to 117, marking a 17% increase from 2023.
Ahmad Zahid shared these details on Tuesday (Jan 28) after chairing the Cabinet Committee to Combat Dengue meeting, the first of 2025, aimed at strengthening the nation's dengue prevention and control measures.
"The Health Ministry provides the data and comparison between 2024 and 2023," he said.
"There were over 3,000 dengue cases reported per week in the early part of 2024."
"However, there was positive development as there was a downward trend in cases from Epidemiological Week 29 (July 20, 2024)."
"Now, the average weekly cases have decreased significantly to only around 1,200 to 1,500 cases per week and are below the five-year median level."
"This year (2025), as of Epidemiological Week 4 (Jan 25, 2025), a total of 5,537 dengue cases have been reported, with three deaths recorded compared to 14,458 cases and nine deaths during the same period in 2024."
"This means there is a decrease of 61.7% in dengue cases and 66.7% in deaths," he stated.
Ahmad Zahid attributed the decrease in cases to the concerted efforts of ministries, departments, agencies, the private sector, NGOs, and the community to eliminate Aedes mosquito breeding grounds.
He highlighted decisions made at the meeting to strengthen dengue prevention and control measures nationwide, urging relevant bodies to enhance existing initiatives and create new ones.
"The Health Ministry is prepared to aid and provide technical input if needed," he said.
He encouraged state governments to consider following Selangor's SUKA programme for community health volunteers.
Other measures discussed include enhancing joint efforts with strategic partners to support MyChampion Combi volunteers in dengue prevention, focusing on financial resources, human capital, and equipment.
Ahmad Zahid also emphasised continued collaboration between the National Centre for Disease Control, the Health Ministry, and the Malaysian Space Agency to utilise technology for effective dengue management.
"We need to continue the operation of releasing Aedes mosquitoes infected with Wolbachia bacteria by adding 10 new locations each year and expanding it to other states."
"Currently, only eight states have implemented it, namely Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya, Penang, Kelantan, Melaka, Johor, Pahang, and Negeri Sembilan," he said.
Ahmad Zahid urged Malaysians to be more informed about dengue dangers and ensure premises are free from Aedes mosquito breeding grounds.
"If there are no Aedes mosquitoes, there will be no dengue," he said.
