Malaysia’s Ministry of Health (MOH) is conducting comprehensive studies and evaluations, including a cost-benefit analysis, before deciding to include a dengue vaccine in the National Immunisation Programme (NIP) [1, 2, 3, 4]. One dengue vaccine has already been approved and registered by the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA) and is in use at private healthcare facilities [1, 2, 3, 4].

Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said, "I know that one vaccine has obtained approval and has been registered by the NPRA and is being used in private facilities. Do give us some time... we are currently conducting a cost-benefit analysis on a dengue vaccine from Japan" [2]. He added that making the vaccine part of the NIP is not easy and requires careful study, noting that several vaccine candidates are under consideration by the ministry [1].

Malaysia has reported more than 61,000 dengue cases nationwide through epidemiological week 33 of 2026 (up to August 22), a 60.8% increase compared to the same period last year. The dengue outbreak has also caused 58 deaths so far this year [1, 2, 3, 4]. To address hotspots, particularly in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor, the MOH activated its dengue operations room and deployed personnel [1, 2, 3, 4].

In addition to vaccine evaluation, the ministry is expanding the use of Wolbachia-infected mosquitoes as a biological control method to reduce dengue transmission [1, 2, 3, 4]. The MOH has also called on local authorities and related agencies to cooperate in preventing areas from becoming breeding grounds for Aedes mosquitoes [1, 2, 3, 4].

On other health fronts, the MOH is reviewing a proposal to extend basic dental screening and treatment into the PeKa B40 scheme aimed at lower-income groups and plans to implement it once approved [1, 2, 3, 4]. Health Minister Dzulkefly emphasized that "Dental programmes should be given attention as part of preventive treatment and primary healthcare, particularly in the management of non-communicable diseases" [4].

The Negeri Sembilan Dental Specialist Centre (PPPNS), Malaysia’s first dental specialist referral centre outside a hospital environment, opened on September 25, 2025. The RM32 million centre has treated 11,085 patients as of June 2026 and serves as a central referral zone for Negeri Sembilan, Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, and Putrajaya [2, 3, 4].

Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad officiated the PPPNS on August 27, 2026 and addressed ongoing dengue vaccine research [1, 2, 3, 4].