MALACCA, Sept 27 — The number of dengue cases in the country tripled to more than 75,000 as of September 23, compared to the same period last year.

Deputy Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Hilmi Yahya said there were 143 fatalities compared to 47 in the same period last year.

“Most of the cases were recorded in Selangor and Kelantan,” he told a press conference after launching the World Environment Health Day 2014 at the Malacca International Trade Centre in Ayer Keroh here today.

He said the community should emulate the Japanese’ culture of cleanliness to eliminate the perennial health dilemma.

“The government cannot tackle the dilemma alone and needs the cooperation of the community,” he stressed. — Bernama