Melaka: A total of 9,500 premises in Melaka were identified as breeding grounds for Aedes mosquitoes last year, representing 9.7 percent of the 98,299 premises inspected, according to State Health Director Dr. Ruzita Mustaffa. The inspections were part of efforts under the Destruction of Disease-Bearing Insects Act (APSPP) 1975 aimed at preventing and controlling dengue fever.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the inspections targeted 7,756 residential homes and 1,744 business premises. As a result, 964 owners of business premises or residents were issued compound notices totaling RM482,000. Of these, 529 compounds were paid, collecting RM94,270, while 260 cases were registered for court action, leading to 39 convictions with fines totaling RM11,810.

Dr. Ruzita further reported that from January 1 to 18 this year, inspections of 6,157 premises revealed 626 as breeding sites for Aedes mosquitoes. During this period, 91 compound notices amounting to RM45,500 were issued, and 39 compounds totaling RM5,030 were settled.

In another development, Dr. Ruzita noted that last year, 50 premises, including 42 restaurants, were ordered to close temporarily for offenses under Section 11 of the Food Act 1983. A total of 2,013 notices for various offenses were issued, along with 1,372 compounds amounting to RM440,550, to the owners or business operators involved. This year, as of January 18, 89 premises were inspected, resulting in two being ordered to close temporarily.