Dengue cases in the Ampang Jaya municipality have surged significantly this year, with the number of reported infections more than doubling compared to the same period last year. Up to September 14, the area recorded 1,766 cases, marking an increase of 932 cases or approximately 53% from the 834 cases reported over the same timeframe in 2025.
In response to the sharp rise, Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ) deputy president Hasrolnizam Shaari outlined a series of intensified prevention measures aimed at curbing the spread of the disease. He emphasized ongoing efforts to eliminate mosquito breeding sites, strengthen enforcement activities, and foster collaboration among government agencies and local communities.
Low-cost housing areas with dense populations pose particular difficulties for the council’s anti-dengue initiatives. Hasrolnizam pointed out that high resident density, limited physical space, and challenges in securing cooperation from all occupants complicate efforts to control Aedes mosquito breeding. Inspections also extend to multi-use buildings in shoplot areas, covering residential units on upper floors as well as business premises and rear sections of the properties potentially conducive to mosquito proliferation.
Despite the rising case count, MPAJ’s community-oriented approach has gained recognition. The council secured first place in the “Cegah Wabak Denggi 2026” campaign organized by the Housing and Local Government Ministry. One of the key components of this strategy involves the establishment of Communication for Behavioural Impact (Combi) squads, community teams tasked with dengue prevention activities. Presently, 73 Combi squads are active within the municipality, with a target to increase this number to 150 by involving community leaders, residents’ associations, and councillors.
In areas such as AU5C in Taman Datuk Keramat, which experienced localized dengue outbreaks, the municipality divided the community into four sectors for consecutive weekly gotong-royong clean-up drives. These efforts combined public space cleaning, crackdowns on illegal dumping, elimination of breeding sites in both residential and public areas, and health education campaigns. Residents have participated in initiatives including mosquito larvae search competitions, a “Trash to Cash” recycling project, and the “Kopi & Combi” program, which encourages collection and recycling of at least 5 kilograms of waste from home clean-ups.
Additionally, MPAJ has conducted larviciding and fogging operations to combat mosquito populations. Combi squad members have been trained to identify and eradicate potential breeding grounds effectively. As of mid-September, the council had inspected over 7,300 premises, including construction sites, for potential mosquito habitats.
Enforcement actions have been taken under Section 74 of the Local Government Act 1976, which penalizes individuals or entities allowing their properties to become breeding grounds for mosquitoes. To date, 634 compounds have been issued, with the largest number levied against residential properties—299—followed by 231 compounds issued to strata-managed properties. MPAJ works in coordination with the Health Ministry to enforce regulations, with violators facing fines up to RM1,000 for non-compliance.
Through comprehensive prevention, enforcement, and community engagement strategies, Ampang Jaya authorities seek to reverse the upward trend of dengue infections and safeguard public health.