A total of 149 deaths resulting from dengue were recorded in Malaysia in the first nine months of the year, compared to only 48 cases during the same period last year, Bernama reported on Saturday.
Malaysian Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr S.Subramaniam said this is a significant increase, whereby 77,527 dengue fever cases were recorded compared to 23,099 cases last year.
"Moreover, the ministry anticipates that the change in weather recently will contribute towards the increase in dengue cases, especially in the last two months of the year.
"There is no other way to curb this other than increasing the level of cleanliness, especially in areas of epidemic," he told reporters after a working visit to the Sultanah Nur Zahirah Hospital (HSNZ) mother and baby treatment centre, here today.
Also present were Terengganu Health director Datuk Dr Anwa Sulaiman and HSNZ director, Dr Abdul Rahim Abdullah.