AUGUST 22 — Being a resident of Bukit Antarabangsa that had almost zero case in the past, we are now inundated with reports of Dengue Fever in our neighbourhood.
It is now almost a regular weekly affair that we have a new case. It occurred to me that we are no longer safe.
Not safe from robberies and not safe from mosquitoes that carries Dengue Virus. Now we cant even go and do gardening in the early morning or before sun down. The little time of leisure has been taken from us.
In my neighbourhood the battle against DF is now a battle on tweeter, WhatsApp and Telegram.
Someone posted the famous 10mins a week e-banner and then followed by many who show the smiley and the good emoticon.
How many actually does this routine of 10mins a week inspection. Going by the fact of growing number of cases, clearly it is not working.
As an active resident, I can say for high level of certainty that there are no breeding grounds within the confine of most houses but the breeding ground is in the common areas managed by MPAJ and other local authorities.
Failed drainage, uncollected rubbish, lack of regular cleaning and actions on vacant units. MPAJ has contractors.
Compared to the level of service and the amount of money they are being paid, clearly they are not proportionate.
The failure to maintain common ground and ensure zero breeding ground in the common areas and the vacant houses is the biggest problem.
Department of Health says they cannot issue summons against the local authorities and they cannot enter vacant house to inspect. Only MPAJ (and other local authorities) can do so. MPAJ on the other hand can do so but they don’t.
The unused toilets and water tanks are the primary potential sites and yet MPAJ cannot do anything. This is a major problem in high-density living areas like condos and apartments where there are many vacant units.
Clearly the battle is not being fought with the right strategy. If the MB Selangor DUN area is not DF free, what more the rest of Selangor.
The MB himself cannot ensure that his DUN is free from Aedes. It is time that each YDP and the Head of Perbandaran is subjected to quarterly KPI. If the KPI is not met the YDP deserved a formal reprimand and if there is no continued improvement, then he should be removed.
It may be sound harsh but fact remains that he is ultimately responsible for the maintaining the common areas and take appropriate actions against the vacant house. He is responsible to ensure that his man does their jobs.
I urged the PSD and MOH to look into this KPI strategy seriously. Quite clearly we are fighting a losing battle. In any administration, the fish rot from the head.
A General that cannot develop and execute a plan should be removed from the battlefield. I want my home to be safe again. The YDP and Head of Perbandaran must be made accountable.
* This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of Malay Mail Online.
