Three female larvae controllers tasked with carrying out their duties in Jagakarsa, South Jakarta, which has recorded the highest number of dengue fever cases throughout the capital in the past months, have reportedly been attacked by a home owner.

The three workers, identified as Felicia, 38, Jayanti, 38 and Nur Azizah, 40, suffered bruises after allegedly being attacked by Marwan Sangaji, 39, a resident of Lenteng Agung, Jagakarsa on Friday. They reportedly had a quarrel before the incident took place. 

The three then reported the case to the Jagakarsa Police, who then apprehended the alleged perpetrator for questioning. 

“When the victims visited the perpetrator's house, he refused to have his home checked for reasons of privacy. The perpetrator suddenly attacked the women. We are still investigating the case,” said Jagakarsa Police criminal unit head First Insp. Sigit as quoted by Tribunnews.com.

Marwan could be charged under Article 351 of the Criminal Code on assault, which carries a maximum sentence of five years' imprisonment. 

Jakarta is on alert as there have been 613 cases of dengue fever as of Jan, 27, according to data from the Jakarta Health Agency, with South Jakarta recording the highest number of cases. There were 231 cases in the municipality, with the district of Jagakarsa accounting for most incidents. (fac)