The installation of insect traps is now compulsory in every new housing project under the federal government, other than the landscaping projects in public recreational parks.

Urban Well-being, Housing and Local Government Minister Noh Omar said the move was to curb the spread of mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue fever and Zika virus.

"Starting today, we impose a condition in the licence that developers must install insect traps, failing which they can be suspended or have their permits suspended," Noh said at a media conference after a working visit to Taman Medan Cahaya Apartments in Petaling Jaya yesterday.

He drew attention to the existence of the Destruction of Disease-bearing Insects Act 1975 including certain sections which stressed on the actions that needed to be taken to overcome the problems of disease-bearing insects.

- Bernama