THE rising number of dengue cases is worrying among residents of the Jalan Tengah flats in Penang.

To do their part, they came together for a cleanup.

Jalan Tengah Block One chairman Yap Chee Beng said 18 cases, including three deaths, were reported at the flats so far this year.

“We need to do something, because the frequent fogging by the Penang Island City Council has not done much to help curb the problem,” Yap said during the cleanup on Sunday.

About 40 residents took part in the four-hour event, which started at 8am. The gotong-royong was jointly organised with the Public Works Department.

Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Mohd Rashid Hasnon, who is Pantai Jerejak assemblyman, was also present.

He praised the residents of the flats for their effort.

“Since the council has to keep the cleanliness of many areas, it’s good of the residents to clean their own neighbourhood,” he said.

Resident G.N. Ooi, 60, said they should all shoulder the responsi-bility of helping to clean their neighbourhood and the surrounding areas.