RESIDENTS of Jalan Wan Empok Satu in Bandar Baru Seri Petaling, Kuala Lumpur, are appealing to Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) to clean up a house in their neighbourhood which they say is a health hazard.They say the double-storey link house is a potential breeding ground for mosquitoes and other pests.“I am afraid there will be a dengue outbreak,” said 70-year-old Toh Ching Kang.“I have not contracted dengue, but I have been bitten by mosquitoes in so many places and some of the bites have become infected,’’ Toh said, pointing to his bandaged wounds.He has been in and out of the hospital for the past six months as his wounds have to be cleaned every two days.
His neighbour, V. Rasamany, 72, said she was also worried about contracting dengue.“My husband is 81 years old. I am always worried that he may get dengue or become ill because of the messy house next door.”Another resident living along the same row who only wanted to be known as Ah Foo said he had tried asking the owner to clean up his house to no avail.“I was told the houseowner’s brother died of dengue several years ago and that’s why we are very worried,’’ added Toh.When StarMetro visited the house recently, it was in a deplorable state.The grass and shrubs have not been cut in a long time. A tree inside the compound was overgrown and the fallen leaves have clogged up the drains.There were pails of stagnant water inside the compound and balcony area. Rubbish was everywhere and the back part of the house was overgrown with shrubs and lalang.
StarMetro tried calling the owner, but there was no response.“We have also had to deal with termites too. A few years ago we had to spend a few thousand ringgit to engage a pest control company,” said Rasamany, adding that they made numerous calls to DBKL’s Seputeh and Bandar Tun Razak branch offices in the past two years.“Their response was disappointing. They say they will not interfere when a private property is involved. I don’t think that is right.“DBKL has a duty of care to residents, especially if it concerns public health,” she said.The matter was highlighted to DBKL Health and Environment Department. Its director Dr Noor Akma Shabudin told StarMetro that a team would be sent to check the area soon.
Read more at https://www.thestar.com.my/metro/metro-news/2019/03/05/neighbours-in-fear-of-health-hazard/#5B30WkD6kyCBVWtH.99