BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

THE Vector Control Unit and Entomology Unit under the Health Services Department, Ministry of Health, can now provide more services to monitor and control diseases after each unit received two new boats yesterday.

The four boats were presented by Ken And Tan Sdn Bhd, a leading fibreglass boat manufacturer, in a ceremony held at the jetty of Raja Isteri Pengiran Anak Saleha (RIPAS) Hospital.

The company’s Managing Director, Tan Soo Yong, handed over a mock paddle to Dr Hjh Anie Haryani Hj Abdul Rahman who was standing in for the director-general of health services. The paddle was then presented to Acting Assistant Director of Environment Health Mahani Hj Muhammad.

The boats will be used for expanding and facilitating the monitoring and control of diseases by means of fumigation in Kampong Ayer and its vicinity.

They will also provide access to more housing areas in the water village.

Previously, this monitoring and disease control services were limited to areas which could be reached by land or bridge.

The boats provided by the Vector Control Unit and Entomology Unit strengthen the role of the Environment Health Services in monitoring and controlling vector population. Vectors are animals and insects which could transmit diseases. Vector-borne diseases include dengue and chikungunya which are carried by mosquitoes.

The officials then took a test ride on the new boats along Sungai Kedayan following the handing over ceremony.

The Brunei Times