Dengue cases nationwide have increased by 27 per cent to 33,367 cases as of Epidemiological Week 23, compared with 27,640 cases recorded over the same period last year.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said Sabah recorded the sharpest rise, with a 50.4 per cent increase involving 2,866 cases compared to 1,905 previously.
He said several districts in Sabah were identified as hotspots, including Kota Kinabalu, Kota Marudu, Tawau, Sandakan, Penampang and Putatan.
Overall, he said the rise in cases remains within the expected cyclical pattern occurring every four to five years, although the public must remain vigilant.
Apart from cyclical factors, the Health Ministry (MOH) has also detected the presence of the DEN-3 subvariant, which is currently driving transmission in the country.
Dzulkefly said the ministry has introduced a new strategic approach based on Behavioral Insights (BI) through the Dengue-Free Community Programme (Kombat).
The approach focuses on behavioural change using “nudging” strategies to encourage better preventive practices among communities.
He said the Kombat programme also emphasises environmental intervention, community empowerment and a whole-of-society approach to curb dengue outbreaks.
The ministry stressed that coordinated efforts from all parties are crucial to ensure a sustained reduction in cases nationwide.
