Resident associations want proactive guidelines to tackle Zika

Several resident associations have suggested the government come up with proactive guidelines to tackle the spread of the Zika virus in the country.

The suggestion was brought up following the country's first case of Zika which infected a woman in Klang, Selangor yesterday.

Bukit Setiawangsa Residents Association chairman Ahmad Shukri Abdul Shukor said none, including local authorities had issued guidelines pertaining to the virus.

As such, he said, it was worrying the association members who were in the dark over the methods or procedures to be taken in the respective areas.

"Currently, we just continue our normal activities such as cleaning up our areas to eliminate any mosquito breeding ground," he told Bernama here Friday.

Ahmad Shukri said even Bukit Setiawangsa residents were not hands-on in relation to the Zika virus as compared to dengue and malaria.

Sering Ukay Residents Association chairman Datuk Mohammed Arshad Raji said the authorities should start an awareness campaign on Zika for the benefit of the public.

Taman Puncak Jalil Residents Association chairman Zainuddin Zainal said local authorities and the health department should be more aggressive in monitoring and carrying out cleaning work in residential areas.