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Kota Kinabalu: Sabah remains at the forefront of Malaysia’s fight against zoonotic malaria, a challenge that continues to account for the majority of malaria cases nationwide despite the country’s success in eliminating indigenous human malaria.

Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said Sabah was selected to host this year’s National-Level World Malaria Day celebration because of its crucial role in addressing the disease.

The celebration was held in conjunction with the National-Level Asean Dengue Day Celebration and Mega Gotong-Royong Programme, as well as the National Healthy Malaysia Agenda (ANMS) Roadshow, at the Menggatal Community Hall here today.

This year’s World Malaria Day theme is “Malaria Elimination: We Can. Now We Are Able.”

Dzulkefly said Malaysia has achieved a major public health milestone by maintaining zero indigenous human malaria cases since 2018 through the implementation of the National Malaria Elimination Strategic Plan and the sustained commitment of healthcare workers, government agencies and communities.

“Malaysia has made history in global public health by successfully maintaining zero indigenous human malaria cases since 2018,” he said.

However, he cautioned that the country continues to face the growing challenge of zoonotic malaria, particularly malaria knowlesi.

According to ministry data, zoonotic malaria accounted for 80.55 per cent of all malaria cases reported in Malaysia in 2025, involving 2,088 cases.

In comparison, only 504 cases involved human malaria parasites, and all were either imported from overseas or classified as introduced cases.

Dzulkefly said the situation underscores the importance of Sabah’s role in tackling the disease, particularly as the state continues to face the impact of zoonotic malaria transmission.

He stressed that addressing the issue requires a comprehensive One Health approach involving close collaboration among the health sector, environmental agencies, wildlife authorities and local communities.

“The Ministry of Health can no longer work in silos. We need integrated cooperation that brings together the health, environment and wildlife sectors, alongside the active participation of local communities,” he said.

The minister said Malaysia remains committed to strengthening efforts to combat zoonotic malaria while preserving the gains achieved through the elimination of indigenous human malaria.

He added that the ultimate goal is not only to build communities free from dengue and malaria, but also communities that are more health-conscious, environmentally responsible and resilient in facing future challenges.

Earlier, Sabah Health Director Datuk Dr William Gotulis said the celebration highlighted the ministry’s ongoing commitment to raising awareness of vector-borne diseases, particularly dengue and malaria.

He noted that Sabah has a unique public health landscape due to the continued threat posed by zoonotic malaria, despite Malaysia’s success in eliminating local human malaria transmission.

“While the country has maintained zero indigenous human malaria cases since 2018, zoonotic malaria remains a challenge that requires sustained attention and intervention,” he said.

William said community involvement remains an essential component in ensuring the success of public health initiatives.

Through the National Healthy Malaysia Agenda and Komuniti Bebas Denggi (KomBeD), communities are empowered to become agents of change in preventing disease and creating healthier and safer environments.

He added that success depends on strong cooperation among government agencies, local authorities, the private sector, non-governmental organisations and the wider community.

“Only through collective action and shared responsibility can we achieve our goal of protecting community health and improving the well-being of the people,” he said.

The national celebration brought together health officials, strategic partners, volunteers and community representatives from across the country, reflecting a shared commitment to disease prevention, environmental sustainability and healthier lifestyles.

The event concluded with a call for Malaysians to embrace health as a shared responsibility in line with the aspirations of the National Healthy Malaysia Agenda and the Madani Government.