Dengue deaths in Malaysia fell 61.3% to 43, with cases down 56.5% to 51,046, as Wolbachia programme expands.
PUTRAJAYA: Deaths from dengue in Malaysia have fallen by 61.3% to 43 cases this year, compared to 111 recorded last year.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said dengue cases nationwide also declined by 56.5% to 51,046 as of December 6.
This compares to 118,291 cases recorded throughout the whole of 2024.
“We hope that when December ends this year, we can maintain the figure at 51,046 cases, reflecting a 56.5% reduction,” he said.
He congratulated public health programmes and all parties involved in controlling dengue cases.
Dzulkefly was speaking at the opening of the Putrajaya Wolbachia Insectarium.
The facility is the second of its kind to strengthen the nationwide Wolbachia Mosquito Operation.
The Health Ministry continues to enhance integrated dengue prevention strategies through a whole-of-nation approach.
Since 2019, the ministry has released Wolbachia-infected Aedes mosquitoes, a biological method proven to reduce virus transmission.
“This intervention complements existing measures such as the elimination of breeding grounds and chemical control,” Dzulkefly said.
The approach aligns with World Health Organisation recommendations for sustainable vector control.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa said her ministry remains committed to supporting dengue reduction in the Federal Territories.
She said providing the building for the insectarium reflects the commitment of local authorities.
“We repurposed a building that had long been unused into a facility that can benefit the people,” she said. – Bernama
