Fully-covered drains in residential areas are seen as one of the main causes for the breeding of Aedes mosquitoes.    

Health Minister Liow Tiong Lai said covering or paving drains with tar or cement makes it difficult for local authorities to clean stagnant drains on schedule, thereby providing the Aedes with conducive breeding places.

“There are on average of 120 dengue deaths every year. All parties need to take responsibility in handling this problem,” he told reporters after launching the Janda Baik Carnival, jointly organised by Bentong Umno Youth and Kampung Janda Baik Youth Association at SK Janda Baik near Bentong today.   

He said the local authorities could come up with certain guidelines for covering the drains only partially.  

“Apart from stagnant water, uncollected rubbish also become breeding places for the Aedes mosquitoes,” he said.  

Also present at the event was Bentong Division Umno Youth head Johari Harun.

- Bernama