I LIVE in Taman Peringgit Jaya, Melaka.
In my residential area, fogging was carried out six times in the past six weeks.
The residents were told that this was because there had been a few cases of dengue fever in the area.
But imagine my shock when health authorities appeared at about 5.30pm on Christmas Day and announced that fogging was to start shortly.
I immediately approached the members of the fogging team, requesting that they conduct the exercise on another day as families were celebrating Christmas.
They would not postpone the exercise but agreed to carry it out away from the row of houses where I live.
When fogging started, the fumes permeated my home.
I expressed concern to the team that the food prepared for the festive occasion could be compromised by chemical contamination in the fogging.
Still, there was no apology forthcoming.
A few years ago the same thing happened on Christmas Day and I complained to the Melaka Chief Minister’s office.
A telephone apology came a few days later from the department concerned.
Fogging should never be carried out during celebrations of important and significant festivals.
I hope action will be taken against those responsible for approving fogging on a festive holiday.
The local authorities should also note that the Singapore National Environment Agency states that fogging should be used judiciously and not as a routine mosquito-control measure.
We should learn from this.
Irate resident
Taman Peringgit Jaya, Melaka
