The increase in dengue cases in cities such as Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Ipoh is a cause for concern. At the Ipoh City Council full-board meeting on Monday, June 30 council members were united in calling for a solution to the problem. They cited cleanliness as the reason behind the scourge.
Due to the fasting month hawker stalls are popping up like mushrooms after a downpour in and around the city. The council urges hawkers to be more civic-minded and keep their surroundings clean. Clogged drains and discarded containers with water become likeable breeding grounds for mosquitoes. This is an age-old problem that does not seem to dissipate with time, regardless of so many campaigns and reminders.
Mayor Dato’ Harun Rawi said that the council would work closely with the Health Ministry to prevent dengue from spreading. Fogging of affected areas will be done on a fixed schedule and so will ground inspections. He has identified certain hot spots within the city which will be given priority. This is to optimise the council’s limited resources.
“Stopping the disease from spreading is a collective effort. Residents should play their part in ensuring that areas around their houses are clean. Don’t just rely on the council alone,” he said.
Yvette
