AI to detect dengue hotspots early in Malaysia
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad told the Dewan Rakyat today that the predictive AI tool is designed to pinpoint high-risk areas before case numbers rise, enabling more targeted intervention.
'Dengue-related deaths have now exceeded COVID-19 fatalities. So far this year, there have been 21 dengue deaths, compared to just one from COVID-19,' he said during the question-and-answer session.
However, he noted the situation has improved from last year, when Malaysia recorded over 83,000 dengue cases and 117 deaths.
Dr Dzulkefly was responding to a supplementary question from Datuk Dr Ahmad Yunus Hairi (PN–Kuala Langat), who asked about measures to tackle recurring dengue outbreaks.
He said Selangor continues to record the highest number of cases, followed by Kuala Lumpur. He also highlighted the effectiveness of the Wolbachia mosquito programme, which is being implemented in 45 localities.
The programme has achieved success rates of between 45 per cent and 100 per cent in suppressing Aedes mosquito populations, he added.
Regarding dengue vaccine development, Dr Dzulkefly said that research and development efforts are ongoing at Universiti Malaya under the ministry's direction. - Bernama
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New Straits Times
30 minutes ago
- New Straits Times
Natural doesn't mean safe
PRODUCTS which are deemed "all-natural" are generally trusted by consumers due to their perceived connection with nature and the absence of synthetic ingredients. However, the "natural" label does not automatically equate to safety or efficacy and assuming that it does can lead to unintended consequences. For instance, in Malaysia, traditional herbal medicine remains a common practice, where various communities rely on local herbs for their perceived health benefits. While herbal remedies can offer genuine benefits, they are not without risk. Some natural ingredients may interact unpredictably with medications or cause adverse effects when consumed incorrectly. According to a Health Ministry survey, 31.6 per cent of Malaysians were not aware of the possible interactions between traditional and modern medicines. Herbalife director, research development and scientific affairs Asia Pacific, Dr Alex Teo, says licorice root, for example, is often used in traditional remedies and is known for its soothing properties. However, excessive consumption, especially in concentrated supplement form, can lead to elevated blood pressure and imbalances in electrolytes. This underscores the importance of using even well-known natural ingredients with care and informed guidance. To make well-informed supplementation decisions, consumers must have a good understanding of what the word "natural" represents and what it does not. Dr Teo says one common misconception is that natural supplements are inherently safe because they aren't pharmaceutical drugs. "In reality, toxins like arsenic and lead can be found in some plants and consuming them without proper knowledge of dosage can have serious health consequences on the kidney and liver." Some people also mistakenly believe that if something is "natural", it can be taken in unlimited quantities without risk. However, even natural compounds can cause adverse reactions if overconsumed. For instance, fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K can build up in the body and cause toxicity when taken for a prolonged period. Another misconception is that supplements can be taken freely alongside prescription medications. Some supplements, like concentrated green tea extract, can interfere with medications for heart conditions, while garlic supplements might interact with blood-thinning medications, reducing their effectiveness or causing harmful side effects, explains Dr Teo. Hence, it is always important to consult a medical practitioner before starting supplementation alongside regular medication. Most importantly, no supplement can replace a balanced, nutritious diet, stresses Dr Teo. "Whole foods provide a complex combination of nutrients, fibre, and other compounds that supplements cannot replicate." Consulting a healthcare practitioner is vital to ensure the right choices are made based on an individual's health profile and medication regimen, and to avoid any unintended negative consequences as a result of supplement ingredients interacting with ongoing medication.
The Star
40 minutes ago
- The Star
Doctor hires offer relief
Positive strides: Over 4,000 new doctors are being hired, bringing much-needed relief to public healthcare. — AZHAR MAHFOF/The Star But medical fraternity urges tackling allowances for lasting impact PETALING JAYA: While the announcement to hire over 4,000 new doctors is a much-needed relief for public healthcare, the medical fraternity says issues such as allowances and permanent positions must be addressed too. Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) president Datuk Dr Kalwinder Singh Khaira, who welcomed the Prime Minister's announcement on the new posts, said this was a positive and much-needed step forward in strengthening the public healthcare system and on long-standing issues related to contract doctors. 'It is our hope that these will become permanent positions for contract doctors and that permanent positions be given based on years of service. 'It is also our hope that in addition to using all existing vacant permanent posts, more permanent positions will be created soon so that all remaining contract doctors in the system can be made permanent. 'Once an adequate number of permanent posts are made available, the government should move to abolish the contract employment scheme for doctors. They should reinstate the policy of offering permanent positions to all doctors entering the public healthcare system as practiced in the past,' he added. Dr Kalwinder said this would be crucial to help restore confidence and motivate doctors to join the public sector and remain in it with greater job security and a clearer pathway for career progression. Hartal Doktor Kontrak spokesperson Dr Muhammad Yassin said many contract healthcare workers in the health ministry stood to benefit from the latest development. 'We are still hoping for more good news for healthcare in the coming Budget 2026, especially on on-call allowances and other incentives to stop the brain drain in the Health Ministry,' he said, adding that many contract doctors planning to leave the service might reconsider with permanent posts now being offered. In a Facebook post, Hartal Doktor Kontrak also said several contract doctors received emails notifying them of permanent placement following the Prime Minister's announcement yesterday morning. 'Hopefully, other contract healthcare workers under the Health Ministry would also get a permanent offer in the near future,' it added. MMA Sabah branch past chairman Dr Brandon Patrick called for more doctors to be posted in Sabah and Sarawak, adding that incentives should be given to those posted to both states. He expressed his support for the Sabah government's proposal to provide an additional special allowance to doctors stationed in Sabah and Sarawak. Another doctor in a Sabah hospital said: 'For those asked to work in Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan, the regional allowance problem has not even been settled.' He said a recent announcement to lower the regional allowance for newcomers and the unfulfilled pledge to increase the on-call allowance to between RM55 and RM65 were a deterrence.
New Straits Times
7 hours ago
- New Straits Times
Dzulkefly: MOH committed to resolving healthcare staffing shortage
PAPAR: The Health Ministry (MOH) has prepared briefing notes and a memorandum to be presented to the Cabinet to address the ongoing shortage of personnel in the national healthcare sector, said its minister, Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad. He said the ministry is committed to resolving the filling of 4,352 positions to meet the healthcare needs of the people, as announced by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim yesterday. "We are aware that the shortage of personnel is a real issue and must be addressed. I am personally committed to expediting the appointment process for those currently on contract to be absorbed into permanent positions without having to wait by cohort. "We are identifying ways to reduce this deficit or close the gap, and to implement redistribution or resolve the long-standing issue of maldistribution. I have inherited this situation, but I am determined to address it within a reasonable timeframe," he said. He was speaking to reporters after attending the Community Engagement Day event at the National Information Dissemination Centre in Kampung Langkuas, Kinarut, near here yesterday. Also present were Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, Communications Ministry secretary-general Datuk Mohamad Fauzi Md Isa, and MOH secretary-general Datuk Seri Suriani Ahmad. When announcing government initiatives for Malaysians yesterday, the Prime Minister said the government would expedite the filling of 4,352 positions at healthcare facilities, including the appointment of contract doctors this year, in response to urgent needs in the country's healthcare sector. However, Dzulkefly clarified that the responsibility for position appointments does not lie with the ministry but rather under the jurisdiction of the Public Service Department (JPA) and the Public Services Commission (SPA), though he is confident these agencies are committed to fulfilling the staffing needs of the health sector. He added that the MOH is also striving to boost the morale of healthcare staff by maintaining the 42-hour work week for nurses, housemen (PPS), and medical officers (MOs). - BERNAMA
