By Ivenathika Naranthiran
Reflecting on MamyPoko’s impactful anti-dengue campaign at Flat Medan 32 highlights the agency's role in addressing an urgent health crisis with strategic precision and a deep commitment to community well-being. We were tasked with designing and implementing an outreach programme on a limited budget, with a mission to combat the growing dengue epidemic affecting the vulnerable B40 communities in Petaling Jaya, while ensuring the campaign resonated and inspired tangible change.
The initial challenge was clear: as Malaysia was witnessing its highest recorded dengue case count, with hotspots concentrated in districts like Petaling Jaya. Whilst having the B40 community going through challenges such as limited resources and dense living conditions, conventional outreach methods seemed insufficient. We knew our strategy needed to go beyond surface-level awareness and truly penetrate this community with effective messaging and support.
In response, we partnered with the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) and the Petaling Health District Office to localise our approach, crafting a campaign informed by real community dynamics and aligning our timing with ASEAN Dengue Day and MBPJ’s 18th anniversary. With the help of the MBPJ authority we were easily able to filter and select Flat Medan 32 as our focal point—a high-risk hotspot area. With that, we combined our knowledge of the area with insights from our partners to develop a layered, impactful intervention.
One of the campaign's most successful elements was the larvae collection competition, designed to hype up the participant, volunteers and further capture residents; attention while actively involving them in dengue prevention. This competitive aspect made participation engaging and educational, while raising awareness about mosquito breeding sites and fostering a sense of community responsibility. The subsequent clean-up activities reflected the community’s proactive response and determination to reduce dengue risks, demonstrating how meaningful engagement can inspire collective action.
We also organised a ‘Dengue Prevention Talk’ by Dr. Mas Ahmad Sherzkawee serving under the Petaling Jaya Health District Office, which was another vital component in the event. This session allowed residents to connect with a healthcare professional, dispelling misconceptions about dengue fever and providing practical prevention tips. Through this interactive approach, the campaign transformed passive learning into an empowering experience for residents, equipping them with knowledge and confidence to tackle dengue.
A PR campaign’s success also depends on visibility, and our collaboration with media partners helped amplify this initiative. Documenting the campaign’s progress, the media captured the involvement of the community and volunteers, ensuring that the campaign’s impact reached beyond Flat Medan 32.
Reflecting on this campaign’s outcomes, it is visible that the agency’s efforts, supported by strategic partnerships and innovative approaches, have made a lasting difference. The marked reduction in dengue cases at Flat Medan 32 is testament to the effectiveness of our targeted interventions. Beyond addressing an immediate health concern, we created an opportunity for MamyPoko employees and residents alike to experience the importance of volunteerism and
community support.
Overall, the MamyPoko anti-dengue campaign at Flat Medan 32 demonstrates the power of collaboration and focused community outreach. Our agency is proud to have spearheaded an initiative that brought together corporate resources, public health strategies, and community action to achieve real, lasting change. This campaign not only met its objectives but also exemplified how targeted, inclusive strategies can transform lives and reinforce resilience in under-resourced communities.
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