Fighting Dengue, what's your role?

Published by : The Malaysian Insider
Article : Without Change in Public Attitude, Fighting Dengue, A Losing Battle Says Senior Doctor

News link : http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/without-change-in-public-attitude-fighting-dengue-a-losing-battle-says-seni


It was few years ago, when I was still in my secondary school - Muar High School, teachers used to give us 'Karangan' (essay) topic for us to do factual writings. I miss those moments, and wonder if it is still the same now?

'Dengue' is a topic that were often discussed in class. It was clear in my mind, once we were done with the writings, teacher will provide us 4 facts from the schema answers. To encourage critical thinking among students (which is one of the wish from Ministry of Education), I believe an open space is needed for students to read, think, write, present, debate and feedback. It shall not be judged merely by grades.

For Malaysians who had gone through the same education as me, the first thing that comes into your mind as a solution to cope dengue may be 'gotong-royong'. Am I right? I hope so. Haha!

I imagine a school where students are updated with news early in the morning not by force.
I imagine a school where students have a democratic platform to share their thoughts on news.
I imagine a school where students are given spaces to do friendly discussion on an issue happening around the World.
I imagine a school where is back to the basic of human's needs of love, happiness and belongings.
I believe Malaysian can do this. :)

I can't agree any more with the title, "Change in Public Attitude". Before we put our blames on Government, let's change our attitude and behaviour from within and our family. It will be hard, but shall we be accountable? Yes. At least I was brought up in a family that taught me to prevent stagnant water at home as a contribution to cope Dengue fever. Oh, I appreciate my family education a lot. :)

As an undergraduate in Civil Engineering, I am shocked that stagnant water in construction sites are the main source of to breed Aedes (Mosquitoes transmitting Dengue). Temporary drainage systems on site are often taken lightly. To educate more value-based engineers seems like a must in university. Of course, we shall educate value-based leadership in construction industry too.


In short, only if each individual are taking responsibility as a global citizen to stop dengue, then we are able to talk about enforcement of laws and policies. Why? Because it's our nature to break rules? Don't we?


Cheers. =)

John Lau C.K.