SHAH ALAM: The General Operations Force (GOF) Camp in Batu 7, Cheras, tops the list of 10 dengue hotspots in Selangor where the outbreak has prolonged for over 100 days since early this year.
This followed a report of dengue cases reported for 137 days at the camp, which falls under the purview of the Hulu Langat district.
State Health, Welfare, Women Empowerment and Family Committee chairman Dr Siti Mariah Mahmud expressed utter disappointment over the latest development.
“I am disappointed because they should be an example to the people as a highly disciplined force, in our fight against mosquito breeding grounds and dengue. We view this matter seriously. They must be responsible for their surroundings.
“I hope they will clean up their compound before they are summoned for having mosquito breeding grounds within their premises because it is preventable,” Siti Mariah told a media conference today.
Siti Mariah, however, was unable to furnish off hand the number of dengue cases reported at the camp, or if there were deaths.
She said the Hulu Langat district health office had visited the camp in light of the reported dengue cases.
“The camp is aware of it being a dengue hotspot and they are cooperating with the district health office to keep their surroundings clean and free from breeding grounds.
“There are on-going discussions on eradication efforts and they have been cooperative. There may be structural issues that have to be addressed, such as the clearing of breeding grounds including gutters,” Siti Mariah said.
Apartment Kenanga and Bandar Baru Batang Kali, both in the Hulu Selangor district, came in second and third respectively where dengue cases have been reported for 128 days.
Siti Mariah also expressed concerns over the statistics of dengue cases and deaths in Selangor from Jan 1 to July that had increased significantly compared to the same period of last year.
She said there have been 37,263 dengue cases and 34 deaths reported so far. In the same period last year, there were 19,357 dengue cases and 16 deaths.
On Selangor’s Seek and Destroy Aedes mega programme, Siti Mariah said all state government agencies should be involved to help eradicate the dengue threat.
“Our war against dengue is continuous and this will be further intensified with the Seek and Destroy programme which will be carried out this entire month.
“All state agencies and bodies, state assemblymen, local councillors, village heads and non-governmental organisations are urged to join and carry out the programme which will kickstart this Sunday at their respective areas all over Selangor.
“Everyone, including residents, must play their role to take care of their compounds as we cannot work in silos,” said Siti Mariah.