Dengue fever and Chikungunya cases in Ipoh have shown worrying increases since early this year. From January up to June 13, there are 888 cases and one death related to both diseases reported in areas administered by Ipoh City Council (MBI), which is an increase of 238.9 percent, equivalent to 626 more cases compared to just 262 last year in the same duration.
Concerned over the issue, the Vector Control Unit of MBI’s Environmental Health Department performed a spotcheck operation at the Buntong Wet Market today on June 19, which was reported to be a hotspot for dengue fever and Chikungunya diseases itself.
Fliers containing useful information for destroying mosquito breeding grounds were also distributed to market operators.
According to the State Executive Councillor for Health, Science, Environment and Green Technology, Ahmad Saidi Mohamad Daud, the spotcheck is a periodic operation by the control unit in the effort to contain the spread of both diseases.
“So far, 10 dengue fever and 18 Chikungunya cases have been recorded in the area of Buntong itself,” he said. “Spotcheck is also to ensure that there aren’t any stagnant water accumulation in the market premises and hygiene is kept in top conditions.
“Larviciding of Aedes and fogging operations have also been done around public areas like markets, recreational parks, tourist spots such as Old Town, department store complexes and cemeteries,” Ahmad Saidi added.
Also present at the spotcheck were Ipoh mayor, Dato’ Rumaizi Baharin and Buntong state assemblyman, Sivasubramaniam Athinarayanan.
“Up to June 15, seven compounds due to negligence of surroundings had been issued, amounting to RM1,750,” Rumaizi said.
“To date, cleaning of clogged drains have also been done periodically,” Rumaizi expressed. “We will continue educating the public, like the spotcheck today, about the importance of maintaining a hygienic surrounding to prevent breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
“If they still do not comply, we have no choice but to take further stern actions in the near future,” he urged.
“We ask for the public’s cooperation to spend some time checking for possible mosquito larvae breeding grounds and destroying them,” Rumaizi further stated. “Dengue is everyone’s business.”
Chris Teh
