Annuar said until now the ministry’s effort to curb the disease had been “defensive“ in concept — carrying out movement control order measures, treating patients and promoting self-hygiene.

“Today, we have decided to take one step forward, that is — in simple terms — we want to attack the virus. This move to destroy the virus is by carrying out disinfection in public places, halls, mosques, surau, roads and alleys.

“This is a programme that will be done on a large scale but the initial focus will be in locations classified as red zones,” he said on his Facebook account today.

He said disinfection efforts would start in Seputeh, Kuala Lumpur, which is near to Masjid Jamek Seri Petaling — the epicentre of the second wave of Covid-19 infections.

He added that the police, fire department and the army would also be involved in the campaign.

“This requires some expertise. Normally, we will do fogging for Aedes mosquitoes. This time it’s not normal fogging. We need to use the correct materials that are effective and we also need to implement many methods.”

Tomorrow, he said his ministry would have a discussion with the housing and local government ministry on this.

Annuar also responded to criticism by 10 Warisan and Pakatan Harapan (PH) MPs against his move to stop the services of all resident representative councils (MPP) effective March 23.

“When I look at the reports given to me, these MPPs are either inactive or do not follow the set SOPs. This is because, more than half of the MPPs — since being appointed in 2019 — have never sent a report to DBKL or the local councils,” he said.

“We terminate what is already there and after that, we will have new appointments. We will discuss and ask for views on what can be improved. This will not take a long time. I expect that in not more than 14 days, MPPs can go back to functioning again.

“MPPs must not become a tool for any parties. They must work together with residents fairly. The MPs can also propose anybody and we will consider,” he said.