Png Eng Huat, MP from the Workers' Party (WP) for Hougang SMC, took to Facebook to share some thoughts on the dengue situation in his constituency.

Receptacles breeding mosquitos

In his Facebook post on Friday (May 29), he said that someone had planted receptacles in the trees along a footpath between Blk 341 and Blk 351 Hougang Ave 7.

Mosquitoes were found breeding inside these containers, after rainwater had presumably been collected.

Png said that some of these containers were well-hidden, making the job of the property team difficult when they go on a "search and destroy" run.

A closer look at the receptacles, which appear to be opened cans, here:

Trying to catch perpetrator

The Covid-19 pandemic has kept the Town Council staff and cleaners very busy, he said.

And in their fight to curb the spread of Covid-19, Png warned that we should not forget to keep dengue at bay as well.

Residents living in the two blocks of flats overlooking the park have been asked to keep an eye on the activities there, and to report to the town council if they spot something suspicious.

"We intend to catch the perpetrator because the health of our residents matters," Png said.

This is his Facebook post:

NEA response

In response to this incident, the National Environment Agency (NEA) said in a statement on May 29 that they are aware of these receptacles placed at the trees at Hougang Avenue 7.

They are currently working with the relevant parties including Aljunied-Hougang Town Council to investigate this.

NEA added that they take a serious view of any action that results in mosquito breeding.

"It is particularly egregious if such acts are found to be deliberate, coming at a time when we are now into the annual dengue peak season," they said.

Firm enforcement action will also be taken against the parties who may be found responsible for the mosquito breeding in the receptacles.

Top photo via Png Eng Huat/FB