Sarawak records over 70 pct drop in dengue cases, no deaths reported in 2025 so far

Borneo Post

12-07-2025

Lau interacts with a gimmick to officially mark the launch of the event.
SIBU (July 12): Sarawak has recorded a significant 70.44 per cent drop in dengue cases from January to July 5 this year compared to the same period in 2024, according to Deputy Speaker II of the Dewan Rakyat, Alice Lau Kiong Yieng.
Delivering her speech at the State-Level Gotong-Royong Mega Perangi Aedes 1.0 2025 at Sibu Jaya Community Clinic this morning, Lau said that only 365 dengue cases were reported statewide so far this year, compared to 1,235 cases during the same period last year, a reduction of 870 cases.
'More importantly, no dengue-related deaths have been reported this year, compared to six fatalities in 2024,' she said.
In Sibu Division alone, 37 cases were recorded from January to July 5, compared to 71 cases during the same period last year, a decrease of 47.88 per cent, with zero deaths reported.
Despite the encouraging statistics, Lau cautioned that dengue outbreaks could still pose a threat to Sarawak's economic growth, as many of those affected are from the productive, working-age population.
'The economic impact is not just in terms of treatment costs borne by the government and individuals, but also in the form of productivity loss due to illness,' she said.
Lau, who is also Member of Parliament for P.211 Lanang, acknowledged the efforts of various agencies and community volunteers such as COMBI (Communication for Behavioural Impact) for their role in dengue prevention activities. However, she stressed the need for continued and coordinated efforts.
'Community clean-up campaigns like this must continue to be a proactive platform to strengthen cooperation between state and local governments, NGOs, and local communities in fighting the spread of dengue,' she said.
Also present at the event were State Deputy Director of Health (Public Health) Dr Mohammad Nazarudin Bahari, Sibu Divisional Health Officer Dr Teh Jo Hun, Councillor Teo Ming Pao, Sibu District Office Administrative Officer Sylvia Lau Gin Si, Sibu Division Health Office Epidemiologist Dr Pauline Robert Ero, and State Health Department Vector Unit Head Dr Diana Jawa.
The campaign was organised by the Sarawak State Health Department through the Sibu Divisional Health Office, with participation from various agencies and local residents in a joint effort to make Sarawak dengue-free. Alice Lau dengue cases health lead