Engaging Private Estates in High-risk Areas on Preventing Dengue Transmission and Mosquito Breeding
Ministry of Sustainability and the EnvironmentSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns Ms Joan Pereira’s inquiry on whether the Ministry would engage private estates more actively on dengue solutions like fumigation in high-risk areas. Minister for Sustainability and the Environment Grace Fu Hai Yien responded that the National Environment Agency prioritizes source reduction and community outreach to break transmission chains. She noted that while insecticides complement efforts in active clusters, outdoor fogging must be used judiciously rather than as a routine mosquito-control measure. The Minister urged premises managers to proactively remove breeding habitats and encouraged residents to take personal precautions like applying repellent and wearing protective clothing. Outreach efforts are specifically stepped up in locations where dengue clusters emerge to ensure environments remain free of stagnant water and breeding sites.
Transcript
28 Ms Joan Pereira asked the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment whether the Ministry will consider more active engagement of private estates on solutions, such as fumigation, for areas with a higher risk of dengue transmission and mosquito breeding.
Ms Grace Fu Hai Yien: The National Environment Agency (NEA) adopts a holistic dengue control strategy to keep dengue incidence low, by keeping the mosquito population low and breaking the disease transmission chain. Part of this approach involves community outreach and engagement, including to those living in private estates, encouraging them to remove mosquito breeding habitats and protect themselves against dengue. Such outreach efforts are stepped up in locations where dengue clusters emerge.
NEA's primary strategy to mitigate the risk of dengue transmission is source reduction, or the removal of potential and actual mosquito breeding habitats. Premises owners or managers of private estates are encouraged to take proactive steps to prevent mosquito breeding within their property. In areas where there is active dengue transmission, chemical control methods, such as the spraying of insecticides, can complement source reduction efforts. However, outdoor fogging should be used judiciously and not as a routine mosquito-control measure.
I urge everyone to play our part to ensure that our homes and surroundings are free of stagnant water and to take the necessary precautions if we are residing in dengue cluster areas, such as spraying insecticides in dark corners, applying insect repellent and wearing long-sleeves and pants.