RETIRED health inspector M. Selarajoo uses an average of three cans of insect repellent a month due to the mosquito infestation in his area at Persiaran Desa Rishah 11A, Buntong in Ipoh.
The uncovered manhole near Selarajoo’s house is believed to be a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
Selarajoo, 65, said he had no choice but to use the repellent as there were just too many mosquitoes bothering him and his family.“I am also using the vaporiser type. All these are costly for a retired person like me.
“I think my health is also being affected by the constant use of the repellents, ” he said.
“The mosquitoes just keep coming even when I keep the windows and doors shut in the evening, ” he added.
Selarajoo believed the mosquitoes were from a manhole near his house, which was a stone’s throw away from the Buntong Health Clinic.
“The manhole has no cover and it is always filled with water.
“I think there is a massive blockage in there, which is preventing water from flowing smoothly to the storm drain, ” he said.“I believe it is also causing water to backflow into the drain outside my house and the septic tank, ” he added.
Selarajoo has complained to the Ipoh City Council, the councillor and to the state assemblyman since May.
“They informed the contractor in charge of the drains in my area but the workers only pumped out the water from the manhole.
“They did not check inside the drain, ” he claimed.
“I sincerely hope the city council will check on this and take the necessary action to resolve the issue, ” he said.
Selarajoo highlighted that several areas in Buntong often had dengue outbreaks.
“There are also chikungunya cases now.
“I sometimes worry for the people and patients who visit the health clinic, as they may get bitten by the swarm of mosquitoes in the area, ” he said.
When contacted, an Ipoh City Council spokesman said they would look into the matter.
Did you find this article insightful?
100% readers found this article insightful
