HEALTH officers and enforcement personnel are authorised to break down doors, windows and even locks if it is necessary to enter and examine premises suspected to be Aedes breeding grounds.

Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said the procedure was allowed under Destruction of Disease —Bearing Insects Act 1975.

“Many vacant flat units in Penang with stagnant water have become breeding grounds for the Aedes mosquitoes.

“The Health Ministry has given the green light for the officers to use force if there was a need as the number of deaths in dengue cases is high lately.

“There has been a 51% rise nationwide and four fatalities in Penang this year, a 9.1% increase in the total number of cases compared to 865 cases last week,” he said, referring to the 944 cases as at Aug 28.

State Health, Welfare, Caring Society and Environmental Committee chairman Phee Boon Poh, who was also present at the press conference, said 81% of the dengue cases in Penang came from the island.

“This is due to high density and mobility of residents. We appeal to all residents to inform the management about any unoccupied units,” he said.

Phee said the state Health Department had sent reminders to hospitals about reporting all suspected dengue cases as required under the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988.

“Those going to public parks or other places between 5.30am and 7.30am or 5pm and 7.30pm — the most active period for mosquitoes — are advised to use insect repellents,” he said.