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| Samples taken from pools of stagnant water in Batu Caves indicate the presence of Aedes larvae. |
Council Health Department director Dr Razif Zainol Abidin said mosquito larvae were found in a disused fountain head and a discarded polystyrene container.
The mosquito larvae found on eight sites were in discarded containers holding stagnant water.
"The mosquito larvae found were within a 200m radius of the temple complex, and mosquitoes have a flight span of 600m so this is not a good sign," he said.
Seven of the sites were near the Divine Life Society Centre, which is next to the temple complex, and one near the Batu Caves KTM Komuter station, which is between the temple complex and SRJK (T) Batu Caves, said Dr Razif.
He was speaking to Streets after the spot check conducted by a team of 25 officers from the Health Department and Gombak District Health Office.
He said instead of penalising the temple with a compound for the offence, the department would issue a list of recommendations to prevent the breeding of mosquitoes on the grounds.
However, notices would be pasted at the Komuter station and Divine Life Society Centre to warn visitors of the council's findings.
"Among others, I will like them to increase the number of cleaners to sweep litter on a two-hourly basis. Disused or unused fountain heads have to be upturned.
"They also have to change the water containers for the animals in Cave Villa and get rid of containers in trash piles," said Dr Razif.
The temple would also be instructed to install more garbage bins spaced reasonably apart for the convenient access of visitors.
The cave temple complex and the surrounding area were fogged in the exercise. Potential mosquito breeding grounds were sprayed with layers of toxic oil to prevent mosquitoes from laying eggs.
The council also checked on seven restaurants and cafes operating there.
"The department would also suggest that the council place rubbish bins at 50m intervals of one another outside the temple gates," said Dr Razif, adding that the council spent RM80,000 yearly on cleaning, garbage collection and disposal.
Dr Razif also said the council would also not tolerate illegal hawkers. "The council will deploy licensing officers to make those operating without permits to register and pay up for stalls on the spot," he added.
Source: New Straits Times