Kota Kinabalu: PKR Inanam Assemblyman Dr Roland Chia wants the Health Ministry to speed up dengue vaccination in the country, saying he received reports that nine people had been detected with dengue in Manggatal recently.
He pointed out that the ministry should not have postponed the implementation in view of budget cuts, adding that they are risking the lives of Malaysians by doing so.
His call follows the introduction of the world's first-ever dengue vaccine called Dengvaxia.
An advisory group for the World Health Organisation had recommended nations where dengue is highly prevalent like Malaysia to consider introducing a vaccination programme.
"Our neighbouring country, Philippines has already adopted the vaccine as part of their public health policy.
"Why is Malaysia dragging its feet on this?" asked Chia, adding Malaysia was supposed to make clear its decision on the vaccination programme in June.
He said this during a field visit to Taman Seri Baru where nine individuals were down with dengue fever near the local township.
Towards this end, Chia commended efforts carried out by the authorities to spearhead a joint health campaign organised by the Manggatal Health Clinic and Manggatal Clinic Health Advisory Panel to raise awareness on the deadly disease.
He said the Government should not be absolved from its role on enforcement and that they need to ensure breeding places of mosquitoes are eradicated.
The number of deaths from dengue had tripled over the last five years from 134 in 2010 to 336 in 2015.
Sabah recorded a total of 913 cases between January and March 10 this year, an increase of 70 cases compared to the same period last year.
Sandakan recorded the highest with 319 cases, followed by Kota Kinabalu with 152 and Tawau 72
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