By Zaki Salleh
Photo: MBI
IPOH: Inefficient management of fish, vegetable, and fruit waste has been identified as the main cause of rat infestations at Ipoh Central Market.
Environmental conditions such as burrows around the market building, unclean and improperly stored containers; provide breeding grounds for rats.
The number of leptospirosis cases caused by rats has also increased in the Kinta district, with 138 cases last year compared to 81 from the previous year.
As of June 2024, there have been 136 cases reported in the Kinta district.
Mayor of Ipoh, Datuk Rumaizi Baharin stated that all traders at Ipoh Central Market need to cooperate in addressing the rat infestation problem.
“This includes disposing of fish, vegetable, and fruit waste by placing it into plastic garbage bags, tying them securely, and disposing of them in covered bins.
“Hence, the rat control campaign that started last May and will continue until the end of July requires the commitment of traders.
“They are asked to install rat traps provided during the campaign period.
“Traders are also urged to maintain the cleanliness of their stalls at all times to eliminate rat infestation at Ipoh Central Market,” he said.
He said this while launching the 2024 Rat Infestation Eradication Campaign at Ipoh Central Market.
The event was also attended by the Chief WHIP of the MBI Council, Councillor Wong Kar Keat, other council members, senior directors, department heads of MBI, and representatives of Ipoh Central Market traders.
As of June, 949 traps have been installed around Ipoh Central Market and 485 rats have been caught and disposed of.
This campaign is hoped to raise awareness among traders at Ipoh Central Market and the public in efforts to maintain environmental cleanliness.
