Step up anti-dengue clean-up ops, local councils told
KUALA LUMPUR: All local councils nationwide will be directed to step up anti-dengue clean-up operations in areas under their respective jurisdictions following a surge in dengue cases.
Housing and Local Government Minister Zuraida Kamaruddin said yesterday the Health Ministry’s Crisis Preparedness and Response Centre (CPRC) had warned that dengue cases usually start increasing in May and may spike after the monsoon season during July and August.
Zuraida said she will be issuing a circular to over 150 city, municipalities and district councils in the country soon to carry out the cleaning-up works. She said while all eyes may be focused on the Covid-19 pandemic, the people should not forget about dengue which can also be fatal.
“I want all local councils to be on their toes as the threat of dengue must not be taken lightly during this Covid-19 pandemic.
“This is, especially so in Selangor and other areas, where the recorded cases are high.”
Zuraida said local councils will also be directed to conduct checks on potential breeding grounds at construction sites, where all activities have been temporarily halted during the Movement Control Order (MCO).
She said it was crucial that stagnant rain water be removed to stop the Aedes mosquito from breeding.
Zuraida said she wanted local councils and other departments involved, such as health and building control, to coordinate their operations collectively. She added that they should focus their attention not just in residential areas but also in public places such as markets.