An MPAJ health officer showing how a toilet brush holder can contain stagnant water and breed mosquitoes, while another officer (right) checks a homeowner’s fridge.
As part of ongoing dengue prevention efforts, 760 units were inspected at Taman Bukit Segar Apartments in Ampang Jaya, Selangor.
The Individual Premises Inspection Operation carried out by Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ) officers covered four blocks in the apartment complex.
As a result, two homeowners were issued compounds for failing to maintain cleanliness.
The area is one of the dengue hotspots identified by Selangor Health Department.
The complex has recorded 13 cases this year, as of Feb 22.
“The purpose of this operation is to break the chain of infection in dengue hotspots through identification of mosquito-breeding sites and the application of larvicide around the blocks,” MPAJ said in a media statement.
Also present during the operation were officers from Hulu Langat district health office.
The compounds were issued under Section 74 of Local Government Act 1976 for leaving part of the building in dirty condition or creating conditions suitable for hosting mosquito larvae which can lead to the spread of dengue.
Offenders face a fine of up to RM1,000, imprisonment of up to six months, or both, plus a daily fine of up to RM100 for continued offences after conviction.
The local council said the residents were taught how to eliminate stagnant water from their compounds and advised to maintain cleanliness inside and outside their premises.
According to Selangor Health Department, 613 dengue cases had been reported throughout the state between Feb 16 and 22.
During this period, there were 21 dengue hotspots, with the highest number recorded in Petaling district (14 locations).
The other hotspots were in Klang (four), Hulu Langat (two) and Gombak (one).
In total, 4,543 dengue cases have been reported in the state this year, which is a 70.5% reduction in cases compared to the same period last year (15,414 cases).
One death has so far been recorded.
