KUALA LUMPUR: An average of 1500 of dengue cases were reported weekly but the dry spell could see a drop in numbers Health minister Datuk Seri Dr Subramaniam said.
However, Dr. Subramaniam said the Aedes mosquito eggs can survive for six months without water, only needing some pool of water for it to hatch.
"We are at the peak in terms of number of cases so it is advisable for people especially those storing water to carry out anti-larvae measure to discourage mosquito breeding," Dr. Subramaniam said after launching the Astro Uruthunai Initiatives through 4 Wellness Camps today.
When asked about action taken by local authorities at abandon buildings in the city that are potential mosquito breeding grounds, Dr. Subramaniam said that Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) had the authority carry out action against building owners.
"Even if the company has gone bankrupt and under receivership, DBKL can carry out anti-dengue operation but the issue lies with the cost, which would have to be borne by them," he said.
Dr. Subramaniam also said that despite the high level of awareness among people on health issues such eating habits, intake of sugar, smoking and dengue, there was still a lack of participation.
He said people don't translate what they know about health related issue into actions.
"We need a change in attitude among the people and instill the importance of having a healthy lifestyle.
"This why wellness camps organised by media organisation are praised by the ministry because they're able to reach a wider scope of people.
"Enhancing the state health in the country is vital because we have become preoccupied with eating, hence becoming the most obese country in Asia and have unusually high diseases like diabetes, hypertension and high cholesterol.
"All of these diseases are something within our control," he said.
The Astro Urunthunai Wellness Camp is held from June 28 to July 20 together with Pantai Hospital KL and Pantai Hospital Ipoh.
Venues for the camps are SMK Sultan Ahmad Shah, Cameron Highlands, SJK (T) Batu Caves, Selangor, SJK (T) Persiaran Raja Muda Musa, Port Klang and SJK (T) Kinrara, Puchong, where health screenings activities are carried out.