KUALA LUMPUR, May 22, 2026 – A family medicine specialist at Klinik Kesihatan Setapak has called for prioritising patient lives over political debates following a viral controversy involving a dengue monitoring card issued in Chinese.
Dr. Rafidah, a family medicine specialist, addressed the issue in a video statement, emphasising that language is merely a tool for effective communication. “Bahasa sekadar alat, nyawa diutamakan. Jangan jadikan keselamatan pesakit sebagai modal politik,” she said, which translates to: “Language is just a tool, lives come first. Do not use patient safety as political capital.”
The controversy erupted after a caregiver received a dengue patient monitoring card in Chinese at the Setapak government clinic. The incident sparked online criticism regarding the use of non-Malay languages in official health services.
In response, the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya Health Department (JKWPKL&P) clarified that the distribution was an “unintentional mistake.” Official patient monitoring records in government facilities remain in Bahasa Melayu, in line with its status as the national language.
However, clinics prepare multilingual versions (including in Chinese and other languages) as supplementary communication aids, particularly in high-dengue areas with diverse populations, to ensure patients and caregivers clearly understand instructions on monitoring symptoms, warning signs, and follow-up care.
Dr. Rafidah highlighted the daily reality faced by healthcare workers, noting that clinics see 800 to 1,200 dengue-related cases. She stressed the importance of clear risk communication to prevent severe complications, which can be life-threatening if warning signs are missed due to language barriers.
“Sebenarnya bahasa Melayu, pelbagai bahasa… kerana jika mereka tidak faham dengan sensitiviti masyarakat itu memang semua rakyat berbilang kaum tanpa berkesan pesakit faham dan yang serius di kalangan,” she explained, underscoring that multilingual support helps ensure understanding across Malaysia’s multi-ethnic society.
Malaysia continues its efforts to combat dengue, with an ambitious target of zero dengue deaths by 2030. Health authorities maintain that effective public communication remains key to achieving this goal, especially in urban areas like Kuala Lumpur where dengue cases remain a significant concern.
The Health Department has apologised for the error and reiterated its commitment to using Bahasa Melayu as the primary language while supporting practical measures to protect public health.
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