Kuala lumpur: Malaysia recorded a 54.7 per cent decline in dengue cases, with 55,399 cases reported in 2025 compared to 122,423 cases in 2024, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi announced. Ahmad Zahid, who also serves as the Chairman of the Cabinet Committee on National Health (JKKN), shared this information during the JKKN Meeting No. 1 for 2026, which he chaired.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, deaths due to dengue complications also decreased by 59.8 per cent, with 47 fatalities compared to 117 in the previous year. However, Ahmad Zahid emphasized the need for continued efforts from government agencies, local authorities, private sectors, and the community to maintain environmental cleanliness and prevent a resurgence of dengue cases in 2026.
The Ministry of Health (MOH) plans to implement the Dengue-Free Community (KomBeD) initiative in selected areas through strategies focusing on environmental management, community engagement, and entomological intervention. The meeting also highlighted the importance of adhering to the Design and Building Structure Review Note by the Public Works Department in development projects to prevent Aedes mosquito breeding.
Ahmad Zahid stated that the JKKN meeting was convened to address the health needs of the people through cooperation between Federal and state governments under the Whole of Nation approach. This meeting marks a new phase in national health governance, integrating committees related to the National Healthy Malaysia Agenda (ANMS), Dengue, and Child Malnutrition under a unified framework.
Under the ANMS, the government, through MOH, remains committed to enhancing health literacy via initiatives such as the ANMS Roadshow, Malaysia Healthy and Prosperous Month (BMSS) celebration, and other health promotion activities. For the Second Half-Term (2026-2030), ANMS will incorporate a Behavioural Insights approach to reduce disease prevalence and health risks, improving life quality for all ages.
The government also aims to tackle malnutrition with support from parents, calling for their involvement as proactive volunteers to ensure nutritional standards at childcare centres (TASKA) are maintained.
Ahmad Zahid urged the government, private sector, and citizens to collaborate in building a healthy, prosperous, and productive Malaysia.