Kuala Lumpur - Malaysia announced Tuesday it would intensify efforts to reduce dengue fever, following a increase in cases and deaths from the mosquito-borne disease. From January to May 30 this year, a total of 21,707 cases of dengue and 57 deaths were recorded nationwide, said Health Minister Liow Tiong Lai.
The number of deaths has already exceeded more than half of last year's total death toll of 112. Last year saw 49,335 cases of dengue.
"This is a big figure, so we must not take the matter lightly. I am urging all quarters to be more committed to combating dengue," Liow was quoted as saying by the Star online news portal.
He said health officers conducting random checks would impose an immediate fine if they found homes or construction sites with breeding grounds of the dengue virus-carrying Aedes mosquito.
"We have been giving advice. Too much advice already, but this seems to be ineffective," Liow said.
"So, if the enforcement officers find that a house has Aedes mosquito breeding grounds like receptacles containing the larvae, they will fine the household on the spot. No more advice."
A homeowner can be fined 100 ringgit (27 dollars) per Aedes larva, and a contractor, 500 ringgit (135 dollars) per larva, he said.
The symptoms of dengue include high fever, rashes, headaches, and muscle and joint pain. The disease can be fatal if treatment is not sought in the early stages of infection.
