MBDK Health inspector checking potted plant containers for mosquito larvae. — Courtesy photo
HOUSEHOLDS in Klang found to have mosquito larvae on their premises will be fined the maximum sum of RM500.
Klang Royal City Council (MBDK) Health Department director Azmi Muji said the city council would resort to issuing fines to deal with the severity of the dengue situation.
“MBDK had focused on awareness campaigns but now we want people to toe the line.
“Health inspectors found neglected potted plants with hardened soil accumulating stagnant water, making it an ideal breeding site for mosquitoes,” he said.
Azmi said MBDK issued 976 compounds from January to August under the Local Government Act 1976, while 1,592 compounds were issued last year.
“From January to Sept 22, there were 6,726 confirmed dengue cases with two deaths compared to the corresponding period last year, where there were 6,704 cases without fatality.
“We are highly concerned. The two deaths could have been prevented,” he said.
According to the Selangor Health Department, Klang district had 9,164 dengue cases last year with three deaths.
Azmi said health inspectors were working hard to reduce the number of cases and there had been no hotspots last week.
Dengue hotspots indicate localised active transmission spanning more than 30 days.
“Earlier, weekly cases were over 100 but on Sept 8, the figure stood at 95 cases.
“On Sept 15, there were 78 cases and on Sept 22, we recorded 96 cases.
“Our aim is to bring the number down,” he added.
Azmi said the city council was carrying out daily checks at various neighbourhoods.
MBDK environmental health senior inspector Zakaria Ismail said neglected potted plants and unattended plots of land in residential areas were the main mosquito-breeding grounds.
Azmi said dengue prevention and control were the collective responsibility of local authorities and the community.
“Dengue remains a serious public health threat.
“People should spend 10 minutes a week checking and cleaning their homes and surroundings to ensure there is no stagnant water,” he said.
Of the 11 constituencies, Sentosa has 1,054 cumulative cases so far this year; Sementa 946, Meru, 944; Kota Kemuning, 925; Port Klang, 711; Bandar Baru Klang, 615; Sungai Kandis, 526; Selat Klang, 473; Pandamaran, 465; Kota Anggerik, 37; and Batu Tiga, 30.
According to a Selangor government’s brochure on dengue prevention, Aedes mosquito eggs lie dormant for up to nine months and hatch within hours if exposed to even a teaspoon of water.
It takes four days for larvae to develop into pupae and adult mosquitoes emerge after two days.
