KUCHING, Apr 10: Once a frequent dengue hotspot, the redevelopment of Bukit Assek will prioritise the quality of life and public health, says Minister for Public Health, Housing, and Local Government Dato Sri Dr Sim Kui Hian.
Dr Sim, who is also the Deputy Premier of Sarawak, highlighted yesterday (Apr 9) in a recorded video on his Facebook that he was shocked that dengue cases in Malaysia increased by 226 per cent over the same period last year, from 8,000 to 26,000 cases, resulting in four to 17 deaths this year, even though dengue is an endemic disease.
He also mentioned recently attending the Dengue National Conference at the Malaysian Parliament in Kuala Lumpur, which Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi chaired.
“I am fortunate that our Sarawak State Health Department has been sending me weekly dengue reports for Sarawak since the Covid-19 pandemic, which show a minimal increase from 154 cases in the same period last year to 161 cases this year.
“This is despite the fact that Sibu, particularly Bukit Assek, was once known as a dengue hotspot, which is one of the reasons why Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg wants to redevelop Bukit Assek, not only for commercial purposes but also for public health purposes,” he explained. — DayakDaily
