Dengue cases soar 66pc, deaths hit 62 in Malaysia, almost double 2025 toll

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 9 — National dengue fever cases have surged by 66 percent, with 65,979 infections reported as of Epidemiological Week 35, compared to 39,616 cases during the same period last year, Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil reported. The increase in dengue deaths is also striking, with 62 fatalities recorded up to the 35th epidemiological week this year, compared to 32 during the same period in 2025.

Fahmi, also the communications minister, said the Cabinet met to discuss the growing dengue issue and plans to address the rising numbers, including the implementation of a gotong-royong program in high-risk areas. The Housing and Local Government Ministry will organize the community-based effort. The Cabinet was also informed about the success of the Wolbachia mosquito breeding program in Putrajaya, although the mosquito population could be harmed by fogging activities used for dengue control.