Malaysia's health ministry mulls heavier fines for mosquito breeders

AsiaOne: KUALA LUMPUR - The Health Ministry is mulling over a proposal to increase the compound fine for neglecting to clear up stagnant water if the dengue situation worsens.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said that water stagnation was a prime Aedes mosquito-breeding ground.
He said the current compound fine was set at RM100, a reduction from the RM500 set in 2010.
"We will have to increase the compound fine if the need arises.
"Not only individuals can be charged but also organisations, district and state governments tasked with maintaining public areas and parks," Liow said after launching a children's Chinese New Year party organised by Resorts World Genting.
Liow said 549 cases had been brought to court last year with compound fines issued amounting to more than RM6 million.
"A stern warning has to be given to everyone, especially because of the alarming rise in dengue cases to 480 last week."
He reminded all doctors to report dengue cases immediately to the ministry so that action can be taken and hot spots can be investigated and fumigated. Last year, there were seven doctors who were fined for under-reporting dengue cases.
A list of hot spots will be updated on the ministry's website.
On the Communication for Behaviour Impact (Combi) teams, which were formed to destroy Aedes breeding grounds in houses, Liow said there were currently 2,000 such teams and the ministry hoped to increase the number.