Health Ministry developing AI to predict dengue hotspots
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.
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.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Malaysiakini
2 hours ago
- Malaysiakini
Schools to activate online learning if API breaches 200 mark
The Education Ministry will activate Home-Based Teaching and Learning (PdPR) if the air pollutant index (API) reading surpasses 200, said Minister Fadhlina Sidek. She said the decision follows existing guidelines jointly coordinated with the Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry and the Health Ministry.
Barnama
2 hours ago
- Barnama
Poisons (Amendment) Bill 2025 Tabled For First Reading
KUALA LUMPUR, July 22 (Bernama) -- The Poisons (Amendment) Bill 2025 was tabled for its first reading in the Dewan Rakyat today. Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad, when tabling the bill, said that the second reading would be presented in the current parliamentary sitting. According to the blue copy of the bill circulated in Parliament, the proposed amendments to the Poisons Act 1952 (Act 366) include changes to Section 2 of the Act, particularly in the definition of 'authorised officer' to now encompass police officers of any rank as well as individuals appointed by the Minister of Health under Section 31A.
The Star
3 hours ago
- The Star
'Gay sex party': Health Ministry-NGO collab vital in enhancing infectious disease prevention, says Kelantan Health director
KOTA BARU: Close collaboration between the Health Ministry and health-related non-governmental organisations (NGOs) is a key element in strengthening infectious disease prevention and implementing early interventions, especially among high-risk groups, according to Kelantan Health director Datuk Dr Zaini Hussin. According to Bernama, he said strategic approaches such as outreach activities conducted by the Kelantan Patient Intermediary Association (Sahabat), with support from the Malaysian AIDS Foundation, serve as a good example of an effective collaboration between government agencies and NGOs. He said collaboration with NGOs like Sahabat enables the ministry to reach out to high-risk groups such as drug addicts who use syringes and men who have sex with men. "Health education programmes and field activities conducted since 2006 by Sahabat in partnership with the ministry have had a positive impact on raising public awareness about HIV, sexually transmitted diseases, and Hepatitis C. "The health education provided not only aims to raise awareness of the importance of prevention and early diagnosis but also helps protect close contacts such as wives and children from the risk of infection,' he said in a statement on Monday (July 21). Dr Zaini's statement comes hot on the heels of a police raid on a supposed "gay sex party" a bungalow in Kemumin, Kota Bharu, last week. However, the raid has sparked controversy after several NGOs and individuals denied that any illicit activities took place, claiming instead that the gathering was a health outreach event focused on HIV awareness and testing. Commenting further, Dr Zaini said the ministry remains committed to a public health approach that prioritises prevention, early intervention, and comprehensive treatment access for all levels of society. He said this is in line with the national health policy, which takes into account religious values and cultural sensitivities. "Such strategic collaborations will continue to be expanded as part of efforts to strengthen the community support system in addressing public health issues in an inclusive and effective manner,' he said.
