By Rosli Mansor Ahmad Razali
IPOH: Perak has recorded its first dengue-related death this year as of July 9, compared with zero fatalities during the same period last year, highlighting growing concerns over the mosquito-borne disease in the state.
According to the latest figures released by the Ministry of Health (MOH), dengue infections in Perak rose by 27.2 per cent to 1,425 cases, up from 1,120 cases recorded during the corresponding period in 2025.
The increase places Perak among the states under close monitoring, as the upward trend in infections continues to accelerate.
The sharp rise in cases in Perak mirrors the national situation, where dengue-related deaths climbed by 78.9 per cent to 34 fatalities nationwide, compared with 19 deaths recorded during the same period last year.
Overall, the MOH reported 42,848 dengue cases across Malaysia, representing a 34.8 per cent increase from 31,790 cases reported in the corresponding period in 2025.
More alarmingly, epidemiological analysis showed that nearly two-thirds, or 63.5 per cent, of all dengue cases nationwide are concentrated in the Klang Valley.
Selangor remained the worst-affected state with 19,313 cases and 21 deaths, while the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya recorded an 83.8 per cent surge in infections, with 7,909 cases reported.
Based on official MOH data, several other states also reported high infection rates, led by Johor with 5,410 cases and five deaths, followed by Sabah with 3,202 cases, Negeri Sembilan (2,379 cases), Penang (724 cases and one death), and both Sarawak and Pahang with 519 cases each.
Kelantan recorded 477 cases and one death, followed by Kedah (394 cases), Melaka (333 cases), Perlis (117 cases and one death), Terengganu (115 cases), and the Federal Territory of Labuan with 12 cases.
The MOH said the cyclical increase in cases was consistent with the epidemiological pattern of dengue outbreaks, which typically occur every three to five years.
The ministry said shifts in the dominant dengue virus serotype, unpredictable weather patterns involving heavy rainfall and rising temperatures, rapid urbanisation, and increased population movement were among the main factors driving the worsening situation.
To curb further loss of lives, the MOH is strengthening efforts through a comprehensive whole-of-nation approach based on the principles of Integrated Vector Management (IVM).
The strategy includes enhanced surveillance, early case detection, aggressive vector control measures, and stricter enforcement against property owners who allow their premises to become breeding grounds for Aedes mosquitoes.
The ministry also urged communities and local authorities to carry out regular clean-up activities to ensure the environment remains free from stagnant water that could serve as mosquito breeding sites.
