Joint effort to resolve pest infestations

We refer to the forum letter “鼠患鸟患破坏花园城市美誉” (11 Dec). We share the writer’s concern on sanitation issues at eateries and housing estates.

The management of pests such as rats and invasive bird species requires a coordinated effort by all agencies as well as the support of the public. The National Environment Agency (NEA), National Parks Board (NParks) and Singapore Food Agency (SFA) work together with relevant premises managers and stakeholders to manage pest populations. These efforts include enhancing waste management practices and addressing infrastructural issues that may provide shelter or access to food for these pests, as well as raising public awareness about the importance of proper waste management and the negative impact of bird feeding. These measures are crucial in reducing food sources for such pests, which is fundamental to controlling their populations.

As rats multiply very quickly, it is important to tackle the issue upstream by limiting their access to food and shelter. Maintaining proper infrastructure and housekeeping is essential for eliminating areas where rats can nest and breed. Premises owners and individuals must ensure proper management of refuse and regular cleaning are in place.

NEA, under the Control of Vectors and Pesticides Act and the Environmental Public Health Act, will take action against errant premises owners. Similarly, food establishments licensed by SFA are also subjected to enforcement under the Environmental Public Health (Food Hygiene) Regulations if they fail to keep their premises clean and free from rat infestation. NEA and SFA also conduct checks for table littering offences at hawker centres, food courts and coffeeshops. Enforcement action will be taken against for offences detected.

NParks works with agencies to take a science- and community-based approach which include other population control strategies such as habitat modification and studies to understand the population ecology of the birds such as their roosting patterns and movements. This is required to reduce the population of such birds and keep their population growth under control. The public can also help to mitigate population growth and minimise disamenities by not feeding birds and disposing of food scraps properly.

We agree with the writer, that everyone must do their part to ensure the nation’s cleanliness. Consistent and sustained efforts by all parties are needed to ensure pest infestation is tackled holistically. The agencies will continue to work closely with our stakeholders to keep the pest situation under control.

Tony Teo
Group Director, Environmental Public Health Operations
National Environment Agency

How Choon Beng
Group Director, Wildlife Management
National Parks Board

Siti Suriani Abdul Majid
Senior Director, Joint Operations Division
Singapore Food Agency