PUSA: Betong Division Health Officer Johnny Pangkas revealed yesterday that his health officers did not encourage residents to store water in order to curb the dengue outbreak and prevent aedes mosquitoes from breeding.
“However, due to the water crisis experienced by the people in this area as well as the surrounding areas, we are allowing them to store water for daily use.
“However, we instruct the residents to put larvicides in the rainwater tanks or containers.”
Johnny added that the residents were also encouraged to cover their rainwater tanks to prevent aedes mosquitoes from breeding in them.
The public health specialist said this when launching the establishment of the Communication for Behavioural Change (Combi) committee and volunteers in Pusa District here yesterday.
Johnny pointed out that innovation was important because even a spoonful of water could become a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
“Therefore, I hope the Pusa District Combi team can help eliminate aedes and prevent dengue,” he said.
According to Johnny, with the establishment of three new Combi localities, namely Kampung Hulu, Kampung Tengah and Kampung Hilir in Pusa, the entire Combi team now comprised 20 committees and volunteers in the Betong Division.
Meanwhile, Combi Sarawak chairman Azman Mantaril reminded those elected to play their respective roles even though the dengue cases had subsided.
“In this regard, the role of the Combi team is very important, especially in reminding residents to check the aedes breeding areas, mobilise cooperation and most importantly, make sure members of the community go to the hospital or clinic when they have fever,” he said.
Also present at the event were Environmental Health Officer cum Combi Coordinator for Betong Division Silvia Albert.
