Kuala lumpur: The Ministry of Communications is initiating discussions with the Ministry of National Unity (KPN) and the Ministry of Health (MOH) to foster a collaborative effort in combating the ongoing dengue epidemic through community-based programs.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil announced that one of the key initiatives under consideration is organizing a large-scale gotong-royong program in conjunction with the National Preparedness Month (BKN) 2026, scheduled for this October. Fahmi emphasized the importance of collaborating with the Ministry of Unity, particularly since the Rukun Tetangga is under its jurisdiction, to enhance efforts alongside the Ministry of Health.
Fahmi, who also serves as the government spokesperson, underscored the urgency of this initiative due to the alarming number of dengue cases reported nationwide. He highlighted the potential of gotong-royong programs to instigate a shift in community attitudes towards maintaining environmental cleanliness as a preventive measure against dengue.
As the Member of Parliament for Lembah Pantai, Fahmi shared data from the Lembah Pantai District Health Office, revealing a cumulative total of 52,123 dengue cases recorded nationwide up to the 30th week of the epidemic this year. Specifically, the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya reported 9,465 cases, with Lembah Pantai, Bukit Bintang, and Seputeh accounting for 2,779 cases. These figures, he noted, are cause for concern.
Addressing specific measures for Lembah Pantai, Fahmi mentioned plans to collaborate with the Lembah Pantai District Health Office to deploy periodic spraying equipment in affected residential areas. This strategy involves strategic placement of spraying equipment to be used regularly throughout the year, in partnership with the private sector, the Lembah Pantai Member of Parliament's Office, and local management bodies.
Fahmi referenced successful implementations of this approach in other areas, which led to a reduction in dengue infections. For Lembah Pantai, similar efforts are planned at PPR Kampung Limau, Desa Aman 2, and Kondo Rakyat, with collaboration from nearby developers. These efforts are slated for expedited implementation, given the anticipated increase in rainfall during the monsoon season from October to December, which is expected to exacerbate Aedes mosquito breeding conditions.