Local govt ministry, municipalities must help Health Ministry to combat dengue

The Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) has urged the Local Government Development Ministry and local councils to work together with the Health Ministry - to enforce stronger dengue prevention measures in the country.

MMA president Dr Muruga Raj Rajathurai was concerned about the spike in dengue cases last year, citing a report from the Health Ministry that in 2022, there was an increase of 150.7 percent or 39,737 cases to a total of 66,102 cases from only 26,365 cases reported in 2021.

According to Health director-general Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah, the total number of deaths from dengue complications reported in 2022 was 56, up from 20 in 2021 – which was a 180 percent rise.

“Dengue is a public health issue and its prevention requires a whole-of-society approach.

“Both the authorities and the public have an important role in protecting the population against dengue,” Muruga said in a statement today.

He said the Health Ministry, with its limited funds and resources, has done well in raising awareness of the public on dengue prevention.

However, Muruga stressed that the Local Government Development Ministry and municipalities should also aid in creating an Aedes-free environment.

“States and their local authorities should go all out to ensure that construction sites, public parks, swampy areas in villages and townships are often checked for breeding of Aedes mosquitoes.

“The types of plants by the roadside and public structures that can collect water should also be checked for mosquito eggs.

“These minor details, if left unattended, can have a serious impact on the health of the population,” Muruga said.

Additionally, Muruga proposed that the ministry should set key performance indicators (KPIs) for relevant departments under them to tackle the issue of dengue.

In the same development, he advised the public to also perform their due diligence in dengue prevention, such as ensuring that their homes and surrounding areas do not become breeding grounds for Aedes mosquitoes.

The current rainy season, he added, would attract mosquitoes to lay their eggs in various types of containers and drains filled with water.

Muruga also urged parents to prevent their children from going near shallow bodies of water and keep mosquito repellents as an added precaution.

“There is no point in carrying out fogging every other month or so if the people aren't doing their part.

“The media also plays an important role to educate the public on preventing dengue,” he concluded.

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