By Danial Dzulkifly
SHAH ALAM, Nov 22 – Selangor has experienced a significant rise in dengue cases this year, with a staggering 50,730 cases being reported as of November 11, the State Legislative Assembly heard today.
State executive councillor for public health Jamaliah Jamaluddin said the figure represents an increase of 63.2 per cent (19,652 cases) compared with the same period last year, when the state logged 31,078 cases.
To combat the issue, she said the state government is taking various measures, such as engaging with volunteer groups and state agencies to conduct preventative measures.
She said primary focus is given to four districts with the highest number of dengue cases, namely Petaling, Klang, Hulu Selangor and Hulu Langat.
“The Selangor Dengue Integrated Operation (OBDS) was carried out from February 20, 2023, to March 23, 2023, in these four districts,” she said today.
“Through OBDS, all agencies collaboratively conduct prevention activities like the eradication of breeding sites, scheduled larviciding activities, outdoor residual spraying, ultra-low volume spraying, community clean-up programmes, and advocacy activities with local communities.”
Other measures include implementing the Aedes-free workplace and quarters programme in Selangor as well as schools to further increase awareness.
Jamaliah said the state government has also conducted the 2023 Mega Dengue Community Clean-Up Programme in 16 locations across the state, involving the participation of over 3,700 local residents.