SINGAPORE: Environment and Water Resources Minister Dr Yaacob Ibrahim has said it is disturbing that the Aedes mosquitoes are still breeding indoors as it shows that Singaporeans may be too complacent in this fight against dengue.

He said: "Indoor breeding is still very high. We can tackle outdoor breeding because we can work with the land agencies but we cannot step into your homes unless there is a complaint.

"Once we do a house-to-house check and find that there are mosquito-breeding areas in your house, you will be fined. The National Environment Agency will continue to be very tough on this because this is a public health issue and we need the attention of every Singaporean."

Dr Yaacob was speaking to reporters after a seminar at Jamiyah Singapore.

The minister, who is also in charge of Muslim affairs, spoke about fighting terrorism.

He urged the religious elite to tackle the issue at the ideological level and to counter wrong ideas that are being put forward by others through various media, such as the Internet.

Dr Yaacob said: "Ideas come in different forms and shapes, written by different types of people and I'm sure there are Islamic scholars in other parts of the world who support such ideas. Therefore, we should battle at that ideological level. I hope our scholars in Singapore can do that as well."


- CNA/so