AS A concerned resident of Section 8 Petaling Jaya (near the Selangor police headquarters, opposite Avenue Eight), I must highlight the issue of the unacceptable population level of mosquitoes recently. The number of dengue cases has increased so much that it has become as common as the common cold and flu in my area.

Dengue fever has become a hot topic of discussion among residents in the neighbourhood as there are at least a few residents admitted to hospital every month due to dengue. My brother was admitted for dengue recently. Having an uncontrolled population of mosquitoes is equivalent to a ticking time bomb.

The local authority has done little to solve the problem. As far as I have observed, the PJ Municipal Council (MBPJ) carries out fogging only when there are reported cases of dengue in the area, but what about when there are no reported cases? The mosquito population is left unchecked.

Do take note that although no dengue cases are reported, this doesn’t mean that the mosquito population is small.

Drains are not cleared properly, sometimes clogged, and these bec-ome breeding grounds. Sometimes during downpours, clogged drains cause my front porch to flood. I suggest that MBPJ clear the drains regularly. Untrimmed grass along the roadsides makes the situation worse (male mosquitoes feed on grass sap).

In my humble opinion, an unhygienic environment is the main factor which contributes to an increase in mosquito population. The council should clear up clogged drains and grass and fog at least once a month until the mosquito population drops to an acceptable level.

Just imagine, we can hardly enjoy a good night’s sleep, feeding dozens of mosquitoes. I would mind less being the unlucky one landing in hospital with dengue, but I worry more about my aging parents.

Yanny Lum
Petaling Jaya

Source: The Sun – May 23, 2008