"Tin ore mining opens up land and causes water to accumulate, which can be a breeding ground for mosquitoes, and this can trigger an increase in many diseases," Acting Governor of Bangka Belitung Islands Ridwan Djamalluddin remarked at the 2022 Mosquito Control Day commemoration event here on Tuesday.
The provincial government expected inputs and support from the Ministry of Health in making efforts to eradicate mosquito nests in tin mining areas and palm oil plantations.
"We seek support from the Health Ministry and the Tourism and Creative Economy Ministry to realize mosquito-free tourism in Bangka Belitung Islands, as tourism is an important program in encouraging the local economy," Djamalluddin remarked.
He stated that the natural tourism business is one of the mainstays of the Bangka Belitung Islands, so the provincial government is looking to provide comfort to tourists to travel and enjoy the beauty of nature without harboring concerns about falling sick after being bitten by mosquitoes.
"We are carrying out environmental restoration and regional management, so that the environment in the province is healthier (and) more comfortable to live in," the acting governor explained.
On the same occasion, the Ministry of Health launched the “mosquito-free Bangka Belitung Islands Province” in a bid to increase tourist visits to the region.
“We focus on controlling these mosquitoes, for example, by intensifying (measures to lead a) healthy and hygienic lifestyle, clearing out standing water where mosquitoes lay eggs, conducting fogging, and other measures," Yudhi Pramono from the Directorate General of Disease Prevention and Control at the Ministry stated.
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Translator: Aprionis, Kenzu
Editor: Suharto
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