Press Release

Date: 31/10/2010

Gotong-Royong 1 Malaysia Programme

organised by Alam Damai Merawan Residents Association in conjunction with Rentokil Initial, Alam Flora and DBKL

Deadly diseases such as dengue and leptospirosis outbreaks are now a major threat to global public health as the number of cases has doubled up in the last decade according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). From 1 January to 28 August, there were 32,688 dengue cases and 103 deaths, followed by 30,455 leptospirosis cases and 95 deaths reported in Malaysia this year. These cases have raised the public’s concern towards the community’s own health and safety.

Due to the increasing number of dengue and leptospirosis cases, Rentokil Initial has launched a nationwide gotong-royong campaign to fight against dengue and leptospirosis. The first campaign was organised in Ipoh on 24 October, followed by Melaka on 29 October. In Kuala Lumpur, the gotong-royong campaign is held at Alam Damai Merawan and Taman Len Sen in Cheras, it is a joint effort between Rentokil Initial, Alam Damai Merawan Residents Association, Alam Flora and DBKL.

“As dengue and leptospirosis outbreaks have become an epidemic issue in Malaysia, we hope to support the local communities by organising gotong-royong campaigns, a community service programme as part of our Corporate Social Responsibility.” said Carol Lam, Managing Director of Rentokil Initial Malaysia. The main purpose of this programme is to raise awareness on the importance of maintaining the cleanliness of public areas and to reduce the breeding of Aedes mosquitoes and rats infestation. “Working hand-in-hand with Alam Damai Merawan Residents Association, Alam Flora and DBKL, we hope to foster the spirit of ‘muhibbah’ and help each other out in the spirit of 1Malaysia.” said Carol.

The gotong-royong programme is aiming at high potential mosquito breeding grounds and rat infested areas. The cleaning activities include cleaning the park or public areas by...