IPOH: The past month saw a downward trend in the number of dengue cases in Perak, indicating that the state government is on track in its mission to lower incidences of the disease in two months.
State Health Committee chairman Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon said the state authorities’ numerous to fight dengue had yielded results.
He said at state level, the Health Department had roped in the Public Works Department, Construction Industry Development Board, and Department of Occupational Safety and Health to ensure that construction sites were not Aedes breeding grounds.
Dr Mah said all district offices and local councils had also been instrucuted to beef up cleanliness in their respective areas.
“According to our records, dumpsites make up 30 per cent of mosquito breeding grounds, followed by vacant premises and construction sites.
“It looks like our multi-pronged approach is bearing fruit. The number of dengue cases in the state is showing a decline and that is important,” he said.
Nevertheless, Dr Mah said, the state government was not resting on its laurels but working to bolster and strengthen its fight plan.
“We are also now in the rainy season and will step up efforts,” he said.
Last month, the government set a two-month target to reduce the number of dengue cases in the country, especially in 482 hot spots.
Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin was quoted as saying that the authorities hoped to achieve the target through optimum measures to control the outbreak. By Audrey Dermawan