Demak Laut venue of state-level campaign against dengue
KUCHING: A state-level ‘ Gotong-Royong Programme’ to combat the spread of dengue will be held at Demak Laut Commercial Centre this Sunday ( Dec 10).
Deputy Resident of Kuching Tuah Suni said the cleaning campaign will focus on areas and localities with empty land lots, residential properties, construction sites and rubbish dumping sites that can possibly contribute to the breeding of Aedes mosquitoes.
“The programme is a joint collaboration with the Health Department and local community that is carried out annually in every district nationwide,” he said in a press conference at Kuching Resident Office, here yesterday.
The gotong-royong programme is expected to be officiated by Minister of Local Government and Housing Datuk Dr Sim Kui Hian.
Tuah explained that Demak Laut Commercial Centre was chosen for the campaign as it is a ‘ hotspot’ and recurring area for dengue cases.
“In 2016, there were 18 dengue cases reported in Demak Laut Commercial Centre and it was dengue epidemic area for 55 days. This year, the same area recorded four cases but the situation is currently under control,” he said.
He added the main aim of the programme is to make sure that the area is free of dengue and to prevent recurring cases.
“A total of 600 people and staff from government agencies, NGOs (non-governmental organisations) and the private sectors are expect to take part.
The programme will include activities like the cleaning of rubbish heaps, checking on potential breeding grounds for the Aedes mosquito, larviciding, fogging and health education talks, said Tuah.
Kuching Health Department public health consultant Dr Azlee Ayub was present with Tuah at the press conference.