Communications Minister Datuk Seri Fahmi Fadzil plans to engage with the National Unity Ministry and Health Ministry to strengthen community-based efforts against dengue nationwide.
He said one proposal being considered was to organise a large-scale gotong-royong campaign during the 2026 National Preparedness Month (BKN) in October, bringing together communities and relevant agencies to tackle Aedes breeding grounds.
Fahmi said he would discuss the proposal with National Unity Minister Datuk Aaron Ago Dagang, as Rukun Tetangga falls under the ministry, while also exploring closer cooperation with the Health Ministry.
“I will speak with the Unity Minister to look at closer cooperation with the Health Ministry in organising gotong-royong activities. Perhaps a mega gotong-royong during National Preparedness Month in October would be suitable,” he told reporters after officiating the Mega Gotong-Royong Perangi Aedes programme in Lembah Pantai today.
He said stronger community involvement was necessary as the country’s dengue situation remained worrying, adding that clean-up campaigns could also help encourage residents to adopt better habits and maintain their surroundings consistently.
Fahmi said data compiled by the Lembah Pantai District Health Office showed that 52,123 dengue cases had been recorded nationwide up to epidemiological week 30 this year.
For Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya, 9,465 cases were reported, while the Lembah Pantai, Bukit Bintang and Seputeh areas recorded 2,779 cases so far.
“These figures are quite worrying,” said Fahmi, who is also the Lembah Pantai Member of Parliament.
At the local level, Fahmi said discussions would also be held with the Lembah Pantai District Health Office on introducing periodic spraying equipment at selected residential areas affected by dengue.
The proposed approach would involve installing spraying equipment at strategic locations for regular use throughout the year, with cooperation from private-sector partners, the Lembah Pantai MP’s office, the district health office and management corporations at the affected housing areas.
Fahmi said a similar approach had previously helped reduce dengue infections in several locations, prompting plans to introduce it at PPR Kampung Limau, Desa Aman 2 and Kondo Rakyat.
He added that the measures would be implemented as soon as possible, particularly with heavier rainfall expected during the October to December monsoon period, which could create more breeding grounds for Aedes mosquitoes.
