Health officers to carry out anti-dengue ops

KUALA LUMPUR: Health officers may enter homes for checks in a large-scale anti-dengue operation that is scheduled to kick off soon at housing estates nationwide.

The two-month operation, starting April 11, will see enforcement officers going into houses in dengue-prone areas to check for mosquito-breeding grounds.

They are authorised to do so under the Destruction of Disease-Bearing Insects Act 1975.

Health Ministry deputy director-general (public health) Datuk Dr Lokman Sulaiman told Sin Chew Daily that the health officers would be accompanied by unarmed police and army personnel during the anti-dengue operation.

“The team will be in uniform and carry their identity documents and an authorisation letter.

“If nobody is at home, we will leave a notice to inform the occupants that we will return to check the premises,” he added.

Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam had announced that the operation would be conducted at 192 dengue-prone areas throughout the country.

The move has, however, caused worry to the public who are concerned with letting possible imposters into their homes.

When interviewed by the daily, some residents said they hoped that the ministry would make arrangements with resident associations before carrying out the checks.