GEORGE TOWN: The Health Ministry is coming down hard on 56 construction sites in the Klang Valley, identified as Aedes mosquito breeding grounds, with possible legal action against them.
Deputy Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Hilmi Yahaya said appropriate action will be taken after 56 clean-up notices are issued, including 19 more being ordered to close, as well as a total compound of RM28,500 imposed on contractors over the offence.
He said the ministry viewed the matter seriously, stating that clean-ups need to be carried out immediately, and maintenance undertaken on water retention areas and garbage dumping grounds which were becoming breeding grounds.
"We want to prevent more casualties as a result of Aedes mosquito breeding.
"Previously, we record 1,500 cases week, but it has shot up to 3,500 cases a week. We need to take immediate action," Dr Hilmi said when met at the Penang Hospital here today.