Fighting mozzies

Ministry to seek more funds.

KOTA TINGGI: The Health Ministry is seeking more funds under Budget 2017 in its efforts to prevent Aedes mosquitoes from breeding.

Its minister Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam said the extra allocation would be channelled to the Communication for Behavioural Impact (Combi) programme which has played a major role in creating awareness among the public.

“We have already forwarded a request for more funds and hopefully, there will be good news during the tabling of the Budget 2017 on Oct 21,” he said after opening the national-level Combi Convention and Asean Dengue Day at Lotus Desaru Beach Resort here yesterday.

Dr Subramaniam said that last year, the ministry received RM3mil but it was not enough for Combi teams nationwide to carry out programmes on the ground.

“Combi has played a vital role in curbing the spread of dengue and now Zika as both diseases are due to the Aedes mosquito,” he said.

There are now some 3,000 Combi teams nationwide with more than 60,000 volunteers helping to combat dengue and spread information.

Between January and Sept 7, there were 77,144 dengue cases with 174 deaths, a drop of 25% compared to the same period last year.

On a separate matter, Dr Subramaniam said inspections were being carried out over claims that a honey product from Australia contained poisonous ingredients.

He said there were strict guidelines when it comes to food as it involves public health.

The ministry’s Food and Safety Unit is carrying out a probe on the matter and the result is expected next week.