FEB 9 ― I commend the efforts the Ministry of Education has put in, not only in educating the public about dengue, but in empowering, and rallying the public to fight Aedes and dengue together.
Because what is more dangerous than a killer mosquito, is a killer mosquito that feeds on public apathy. We know how famous we are for our “tidak apa” attitude.
Where else but in Malaysia do you find people dumping garbage, with mosquito larvae happily spawning in it, right next to a billboard warning people against the scourge of dengue? If that is not ignorance and apathy, I don’t know what is.
The public knows that every empty can, bottle, plastic bag, polystyrene container improperly disposed can breed mosquitoes.
Every pot, saucer, aircond tray in their compound, or roof gutter that is blocked by dead leaves can determine whether they, their family and neighbours are safe from dengue.
But many choose to wait for the “fogging team” whom they believe is capable of fogging the mosquitoes to oblivion. If only the public know that an increase in fogging frequency might lead to the creation of resistant strains of Aedes mosquitoes to the chemicals used.
To me, this is no longer about the public being uneducated about dengue. This is about the public knowing but choosing not to care which is the root of our problem. Many Malaysians think they live independently from the society and their neighbourhood.
Sorry to burst the bubble, but we are not. We need to ensure a clean neighbourhood and to do that, we must all be as “ke-poh” about our neighbours as we would be if we found out about a scandal brewing next door.
Since Aedes mosquitoes can travel as far as 400 metres, which is equivalent to a row of about 50-60 terrace houses, the public must know that we are all connected in this war on “terror.” Our action, or inaction, determines how healthy our family and neighbours are. The responsibility to eradicate dengue does not lie with the health authorities alone, but with each and every member of the Malaysian public.
Do not underestimate the Aedes mosquito, ladies and gents. They can breed in small pools of water, the size of a 20-sen coin or bottle cap. Even during the dry weather, their eggs can lie dormant for up to about nine months, and hatch if exposed to favourable conditions, i.e. water and food.
Consider them biological time bombs.
So spend time cleaning your compound with a fine tooth comb, like your life depends on it. Talk to your neighbours, their neighbours and spread the awareness. Start reporting illegal dumping sites, stagnant drains and errant neighbours to the health authorities.
Nothing shocks a Malaysian into reality more quickly and effectively than having to pay a hefty fine for breeding mosquitoes on their compound.
Put a curfew on your children, and discourage them from playing in unkempt fields and playgrounds. Teach them to keep their toys away, and that the next time they improperly discard a plastic wrapper or a water bottle, it might cost someone’s life.
Remind yourself and others to clean the dishes and saucers you put out to feed stray cats and dogs. Or better still clean it yourself.
The days where I live my life and you live yours must end if we want to put a stop to dengue. This is not the time to tread on eggshells vis a vis neighbour’s feelings. This is a matter of life and death.
Seventeen people died last month from dengue. It is time we stop this menace together.
* This is a personal opinion of the columnist.
