SINGAPORE — Two hundred candidates have so far been shortlisted as officers for the National Environment Agency’s (NEA) vector-control team, after it ramped up recruitment two weeks ago as part of its battle plan against dengue.

The 200 were recruited over three exercises held this month, said an NEA spokesperson.

Singapore is currently experiencing its worst dengue epidemic since 2005, and Minister for the Environment and Water Resources Vivian Balakrishnan unveiled an action plan two weeks ago to combat the mosquito-borne disease.

This includes recruiting 300 more officers to boost its existing 850-strong vector-control team, indoor spraying of insecticides and giving out free insect repellent to households.

An estimated S$85 million has been set aside this financial year for this purpose, compared to the S$70 million the NEA spent in the previous financial year.

A “multi-pronged” approach was used in the agency’s recruitment efforts. The NEA worked with the Community Development Councils, the Employment and Employability Institute and educational institutions in addition to running print and online advertisements. Recruitment exercises were also conducted islandwide, such as in Bedok, Jalan Besar and Clementi.

“The profile of the candidates (is) diverse in terms of age and experience. Some candidates have previous experience in the police force, as enforcement officers from other public agencies, and pest control officers. All new officers will be trained before being deployed on the ground,” said the NEA spokesperson.

The number of dengue cases hit an all-time high of 842 cases last week, according to latest numbers by the Ministry of Health yesterday.

As of 3pm yesterday, 268 more dengue infections have been reported this week, bringing the total number of cases this year to 11,217.

Woo Sian Boon