(Above and below) Some 250 residents took part in a major clean-up exercise at Flat PKNS, Taman Dagang following a rise in dengue cases. — Photos: Courtesy of MPAJ
THE mukim (sub-districts) of Ampang and Hulu Kelang in Hulu Langat district recorded 1,180 dengue cases from Jan 1 to Feb 17, an increase of 43.5% compared to the same period last year.
With the spike, Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ) said it was actively implementing various preventive measures.
Dengue hotspots include Taman Lembah Maju, Taman Bukit Teratai, Kampung Tasik Permai, Taman Melawati and Taman Ukay Perdana.
MPAJ president Dr Ani Ahmad said it had activated the council’s community-based Communication for Behavioural Impact (Combi) teams besides its regular dengue prevention methods.
“Regular activities such as larviciding, search-and-destroy operations, thermal space spraying and ultra-low volume spraying are conducted to eliminate mosquito breeding sites.
“Additionally, targeted operations are carried out to eradicate Aedes mosquito breeding areas, including integrated dengue control operations and enforcement initiatives,” she told StarMetro.
Ani added that MPAJ had organised community programmes to encourage individuals to take responsibility in keeping their surroundings clean.
Abandoned houses and areas with overgrown vegetation can be potential mosquito breeding sites.
“On Feb 18, there was a major clean-up drive at Flat PKNS, Taman Dagang involving 250 residents,” she said.
Property owners could face fines of up to RM1,000 for failing to destroy mosquito breeding sites on their premises.
“Property owners will receive notices under Section 82 of the Local Government Act 1976, to remove breeding sites.
“Failure to comply may result in fines under Section 74 of the same Act,” Ani said.
“In cases where mosquito breeding sites are found in abandoned properties, immediate larviciding and search- and-destroy operations are carried out.
“Notices will be posted and property ownership will be verified by the Property Assessment and Development Department.
“Subsequently, legal notices will be issued and fines imposed for non-compliance,” she added.
Ani: Targeted operations being carried out to eradicate Aedes mosquito breeding grounds.
MPAJ Zone 21 councillor R. Moganraj, who oversees Pandan Perdana, attributed the rise in dengue cases to improper waste disposal.
“We have noticed an increase in dengue cases within our zone, particularly around areas where illegal dumping sites are prevalent.
“Enforcement is being carried out by MPAJ against those who throw rubbish haphazardly, which include installing surveillance cameras and increased monitoring,” he said.
Moganraj added that MPAJ was liaising with KDEB Waste Management Sdn Bhd to clear these dumpsites.
“I will activate the existing Combi teams and form new ones soon to help prevent further cases,” he said.
