The West Lombok Health Agency in West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) has recorded some 32 malaria cases, with 27 cases in Bukit Tinggi village and five cases in Mekarsari village both in Gunungsari district in the regency.

The West Lombok administration spokesman, Saepul Ahkam, said the administration had reported the cases and had requested mosquito nets from the NTB administration four days ago, as well as to the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB).

“But no response yet,” he said on Friday, as quoted by tempo.co.

Saepul said the West Lombok administration had tried to care for the malaria patients through outpatient treatment.

He stressed that the current situation in West Lombok was worrying as the location of the malaria transmission was relatively close to the survivor shelters.

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo, who visited Lombok twice after major earthquakes struck on July 29 and Aug. 5, plans to visit again soon.

“Later, I will go there, God willing, on Saturday or Sunday to check the initial housing reconstruction process,” Jokowi said on Wednesday, as stated on the setkab.go.id website. 

The President is expected to visit Gunungsari district and watch the 18th Asian Games closing ceremony in the shelter along with survivors. (sau)