Local community participation to rid aedes mosquitoe breeding sites is essential to eliminate dengue, says Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam.

Now it had begun to rain in some areas, the risk of dengue outbreak could increase if the relevant measures were not taken, he warned.

"I'm still not satisfied with the 'attitude' of our people because I do not see the involvement of local communities in dengue eradication programmes organised by the ministry.

"If they do not get involved, efforts to eliminate aedes breeding places will not be fully achieved," he told reporters after launching the Higher Education Pathway programme at the Universiti Malaya here on Saturday.

Dr Subramaniam said after the rain, larvae could breed and live for six months in water-filled containers left lying around, adding that this increased the dengue risk.

Meanwhile, commenting on the Higher Education Pathway programme, he said Indian students who had completed their Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) and Sijil Tinggi Pelajaran Malaysia (STPM) should take advantage of the opportunities offered by the government.

"Now, for the second year running, the government has allocated 1,500 places for Indian students in matriculation colleges nationwide, and students who have the credentials should grab the opportunity provided.

"Opportunities in the field of technical skills are also available for interested students at polytechnics because the country requires technically-skilled workers to become a high income nation," noted Dr Subramaniam.

The programme organised by the 1Malaysia Indian Student Movement, with support from the MIC Youth Higher Education Bureau will be held nationwide, starting on Saturday until April 2.

The programme, among others, includes services to provide exposure and advice to help Indian students pursue higher studies.

For further information, contact 03-40431111 or visit the site at www.1mism.org and www.facebook.com/1mism.