Kuala lumpur: The Ministry of Health (MOH) is undertaking thorough studies and evaluations to determine whether the dengue vaccine should be integrated into the National Immunisation Programme (NIP), according to its minister, Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Dzulkefly highlighted that the evaluation process includes a cost-benefit analysis, given the high price of the newly available dengue vaccine. He mentioned that while a vaccine has been approved and registered by the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA) for use in private facilities, the ministry needs time to conduct a comprehensive analysis, particularly on a dengue vaccine from Japan. He acknowledged the challenges in making the vaccine part of the NIP, noting the consideration of other vaccines and pending announcements once decisions are made.
Dzulkefly's comments were made at the inauguration of the Negeri Sembilan Dental Specialist Centre (PPPNS), with Health deputy director-general (Oral Health) Dr. Zuraida Mohamed in attendance. He reported over 61,000 dengue cases nationwide by Epidemiological Week 33 of 2026, marking a 60.8 percent increase compared to the previous year, resulting in 58 deaths. To combat this, the MOH has activated dengue operations rooms and deployed personnel to identified hotspots, notably in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor, and expanded the use of Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes for biological control.
Dzulkefly emphasized that dengue prevention requires a collaborative effort between the MOH, local authorities, and related agencies to prevent residential areas from becoming breeding grounds for Aedes mosquitoes. Separately, he announced that the health ministry is considering extending basic dental screening and treatment to the PeKa B40 scheme, following approval, as part of preventive treatment and primary healthcare management for non-communicable diseases (NCD).
Furthermore, Dzulkefly revealed that the PPPNS, established with a budget of RM32 million, is Malaysia's first dental specialist referral facility outside a hospital setting. Since its operation began on September 25, 2025, it has treated 11,085 patients as of June. This centre serves as a reference hub for Negeri Sembilan, Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, and Melaka, benefiting 11.89 million residents. With the addition of 18 modern dental chairs, the facility increased its daily treatment capacity by nearly 90 percent, reducing the waiting period for specialist treatment.
The PPPNS transformation, driven by the Dental Information System, incorporates modern imaging facilities and skill labs for continuous clinical training. This centralized model will be progressively expanded to other states, starting with the central zone in Negeri Sembilan and the Borneo zone, to ensure equitable service access. The MOH is also enhancing public access to dental services through outreach programmes, with eight new Mobile Dental Clinics expected in Sabah, Perlis, Penang, Selangor, Putrajaya, and Johor by year-end.