SG. DUA, PENANG, 31 January 2023 – A lecturer and researcher on vector control and mosquito-borne diseases, more specifically on Aedes dan Culex at the Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) School of Biological Sciences, Associate Professor Dr. Nur Faeza Abu Kassim has introduced an innovative method to repel Aedes mosquitoes.

"We have introduced a BioGel bait in the form of hydrogel beads that could attract and kill the mosquitoes, in addition to using local plants that could repel the Aedes mosquitoes," said Nur Faeza when met at the ‘Program COMBI Lawan Denggi 2023’ and ‘Pertandingan Kutip Sampah berpasukan’ at the Hamna Flats compound in Sungai Dua, Penang recently.

Close to 400 residents participated in the dengue prevention programme and waste collection competition.

According to Nur Faeza, the BioGel Bait utilises "sugar bait technology" to manipulate the vector feeding behaviour and to act in an ‘attract and kill’ manner to destroy the Aedes mosquito in all parts of its lifecycle, including its breeding ground as it is a dengue vector.

"Biogel Bait comprises a mixture of local plant extracts, as means of biological control that is environment-friendly and safe for humans and animals," said Nur Faeza.

She further explained, BioGel is easy to use, consumer-friendly and with a low cost of production can be suitably used indoors and outdoors, and can be purchased at RM10.00 for a month’s usage.

Also introduced were the ‘Anti-Aedes’ plants which are Calamansi Lime, Basil and Mint, done in collaboration with the Agriculture Department.

"The most effective and easiest to care for are the basil plants, commonly used as part of a traditional salad dish, while calamansi lime and mint need to reach a certain age to be effective in repelling the Aedes mosquitoes," said Nur Faeza, who has been involved in the study for more than 15 years.

She said that, the plants were chosen based on extensive studies in their use to repel the mosquitoes. However, more studies need to be done to gather more data, such as the length of time, cultivating gap between each plant and how many are needed to ensure the plants’ effectiveness.

Said Nur Faeza further, in order to prevent Aedes mosquitoes from breeding, the Integrated Vector Control Management method is important, as it needs the involvement of the community in ensuring that the environment is clean and there is no stagnant water that could become breeding grounds for Aedes mosquitoes.

Aedes mosquitoes can become a threat to public health in the country as dengue infection from Aedes mosquitoes can lead to fatalities.

Nur Faeza is the chairperson for Penang State COMBI. COMBI is the acronym for “Communication for Behavioural Impact”, introduced by the World Health Organisation (WHO) in 2001 as a strategy to deal with the Dengue problem in Malaysia. COMBI presents a dynamic approach utilising social mobility and communication strategies to influence individuals, families and communities to shift towards healthy behavioural changes.

Also present were the Penang State Health Exco, Dr. Norlela Arifin; Batu Uban State Assemblyman, Kumaresan Arumugam and Chairman of the Village Community Management Council (MPKK) for Sungai Dua, Zulfadzli Md Noordin.

Translation: Mazlan Hanafi Basharudin/ Photo: Ebrahim Abd Manan & Nirmaryadi Rashid