Malaysia records third-highest dengue caseload in Asean, says Dzulkefly

 By Olivia Miwil

June 14, 2026 @ 11:51am

Dr Dzulkefly says the country has reported 33,367 dengue cases so far this year, with infections and deaths rising sharply. – NSTP file pic

KOTA KINABALU: Malaysia ranks third in Asean for the number of dengue cases recorded this year, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said.

As of June 13, Malaysia had recorded 33,367 dengue cases in 2026, an increase of 20.7 per cent compared with the same period last year.

Indonesia recorded 39,672 cases, while Vietnam reported 35,986.

"In fact, our incidence rate is the highest among Asean countries.

"The trend in dengue-related deaths has also increased by 43.75 per cent, with 23 deaths recorded compared with 16 during the corresponding period in 2025.

"Laboratory surveillance shows an extreme serotype shift, where the DENV-3 virus is now dominant in Malaysia's infection cycle," he said during the national-level Dengue Day celebration at the Menggatal Community Hall near here today.

In Sabah, 2,866 dengue cases have been reported, representing a 50.4 per cent increase compared with the same period last year.

The five districts with the highest active transmission are Kota Kinabalu with 1,033 cases, Tawau (578), Sandakan (500), followed by Penampang and Putatan.

"However, despite this increase, I would like to commend the strong commitment of the Sabah State Health Department and healthcare facilities, which have successfully managed patient care, recording zero deaths this year."

Dzulkefly said the ministry would strengthen dengue control efforts through the Dengue-Free Community Initiative (KomBeD), incorporating behavioural insights to encourage sustainable preventive practices.

On malaria, he said Malaysia had achieved a historic public health milestone by maintaining zero locally transmitted indigenous human malaria cases since 2018.

However, he said the country continued to face challenges from zoonotic malaria, or Plasmodium knowlesi malaria, which accounted for 80.55 per cent of all malaria cases recorded in 2025, involving 2,088 cases.

Only 504 cases involved human malaria, all of which were imported or introduced infections.

"This is why Sabah's selection as the national host this year is highly significant.

"Sabah is at the frontline in managing the impact of zoonotic malaria. This issue requires a comprehensive One Health approach."

Also present were Sabah Women, Health and Community Wellbeing Minister Datuk Julita Mojungki and Sabah Health director Datuk Dr William Gotulis.