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We urge the Government to improve the efficiency of eradicating Aedes mosquitoes in the country, destroying breeding grounds such as the piles of old tyres at the Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) reserve land at Taman Intan Baiduri, Kepong   Statement by Dr Tan Seng Giaw (Kuala Lumpur,  Sunday): Dengue virus is carried by Aedes mosquitoes. There are many breeding sites in the nation. Local governments such as the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (KLCH) have taken action against offenders who allow Aedes to breed. However, they have to improve the efficiency of the action. On the other hand, the people must cooperate.  For example, for about a month, the TNB vacant land underneath the high-tension wires at the junction of Jalan Taman Intan Baiduri and Jalan Intan Baiduri 1C has been fenced up with corrugated zinc sheets. Residents see piles of old tyres which are ideal for mosquitoes. They are shocked at the sudden increase in the number of the insect. During the present dengue alert, these mosquitoes are very dangerous.   Since the alert, we are waiting for the Health Minister to announce the number of cases. It is one thing to know notified or suspected cases. It is another to learn about confirmed cases. Malaysians should always be concerned about preventive measures against dengue. After all, since 1999, we have seen over 351 confirmed deaths from the disease.   The media report that there will be a nationwide anti-Aedes campaign in schools on 5.1.2005. In 2004, out of 33,000 cases, 9,000 were students. All state education departments are urged to submit the list of schools fined for breeding Aedes within their compounds.   While it is reasonable for the Education Ministry to carry out anti-Aedes campaign in schools, it is equally important that the Government improve its measures against other breeding grounds like errant construction sites and certain TNB land.  It should punish severely those who are responsible.   Three weeks ago, we notify KLCH and TNB about the piles of old tyres in Taman Intan Baiduri. These tyres collect rain water. A female Aedes only needs about one teaspoonful (5 ml) of clear water to lay 60 eggs each time; 5 to 7 days later mosquitoes appear. If 1,000 Aedes lay eggs, there are 60,000 mosquitoes every week.   KLCH and TNB have sent their inspectors to the site. But, the residents are unhappy. They suspect that there is hanky-panky like lubricant suddenly appear in certain tyres to prove that there are no Aedes. TNB issues permit only for planting vegetables and nursery, not piling tyres.   TNB has many vacant spaces under high-tension wires in the country. It lists over 20 conditions for each permit. How many permit-holders comply? What are the criteria for issuing permits? The public suspect shady activities. TNB should dispel this suspicion. (30/1/2005) * Dr Tan Seng Giaw, DAP National Deputy Chairman and MP for Kepong