TAWAU: The latest dengue statistics released by the Health Ministry show that dengue cases in Malaysia remain at a worrying level, highlighting the need for greater community involvement in prevention efforts.
Youth Development, Sports Advancement and Creative Economy Minister Datuk Nizam Abu Bakar Titingan, who is also Apas Assemblyman, said 33,367 dengue cases were recorded nationwide as of June 13, 2026, an increase of 20.7 per cent compared with the same period last year.
He said tackling dengue requires a collective commitment from the community and should not rely solely on enforcement operations or fogging by government agencies.
Nizam said this when officiating the Tawau Municipal-level “Dengue Champion Smart Community Programme 2026” at Astaka Taman Sri Apas Batu 8 here on Sunday.
Also present was Tawau Municipal Council (MPT) President Mohd Shoffian Mohd Said.
He said the programme aims to build a community that takes collective responsibility for dengue prevention, rather than producing a single “champion”.
“The programme is an important initiative to raise public awareness of the importance of maintaining environmental cleanliness to prevent the breeding of Aedes mosquitoes that spread dengue fever,” he said.
Nizam urged residents to keep their homes and surroundings clean to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds.
He also called on community leaders and Neighbourhood Watch (KRT) chairmen to organise monthly gotong-royong activities to strengthen public awareness that environmental cleanliness is a shared responsibility.
“A clean environment not only reduces the risk of disease but also helps create a healthier and more productive society,” he said.
