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By Nancy Nais
KUCHING, July 2: Poor habits of cleanliness and attitudes regarding cleanliness and prevention are the main contributors to dengue outbreaks, says Kuching South City Council (MBKS) mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng.
He said since MBKS jurisdiction has broad access to the Internet and mass media, lack of awareness is not an issue.
“Instead, we have people practising illegal dumpings and poor housekeeping, which are still occurring in the city, creating breeding grounds for mosquitoes which lead to dengue outbreaks.
“Such unhygienic and irresponsible acts need to stop if Kuchingnites want to live in a healthy, clean, and safe environment,” Wee said at the launch of the MBKS dengue campaign in Kampung Lumba Kuda today.
Considering MBKS’ jurisdiction, which he described as very compact with more than 45,000 properties and an estimated population of more than 340,000, Wee asserts the possibility of dengue cases occurrence will always be there.
Thus, he insists that efforts and close cooperation among residents, MBKS, and the Ministry of Health must continue to keep the city clean.
“Please take the initiative on a daily or weekly basis to ensure your house and shop premises are clean with no stagnant water.
“Do not grow too many plants and leave them unattended because it is a good hiding place for mosquitoes. Stop doing illegal dumping, be it outside your premises or on vacant land.
“Seal your septic tank cover using a silicon base on MBKS’ notice given as septic tanks are proven to be a potential breeding ground for mosquitoes,” Wee urged.
MBKS deputy mayor Hilmi Othman and Pengulu Kampung Lumba Kuda, Ismail Samsudin Puteh, were also at the programme. — DayakDaily
