GEORGE TOWN: The state government has launched a gotong-royong campaign to fight the outbreak of dengue.

Health, Welfare and Caring Society Committee chairman Phee Boon Poh said the campaign would address the dengue menace, which traditionally begins in May.

"Certain drains are badly clogged up and have become the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes.

"Some of them have been turned into mini 'gardens' with overgrown parasite plants," Phee said after launching the campaign at Taman Free School here.

He said he would make sure the campaign was held throughout the state.
"Our goal is to nip the dengue menace in the bud. The massive clean-up in every residential area is vital to destroy the Aedes mosquitoes before they get to us."

Phee said the Penang Island and Seberang Prai municipal councils would be stepping up their cleanliness campaigns.