THE Sibu Rural District Council (SRDC) offered an RM2 bounty for each rat caught by residents and traders in Sibujaya during a Rat Infestation Eradication Campaign.
SRDC chairman Sempurai Petrus Ngelai said the council initiated the move to wipe out rats in its Pasar Tamu and Pasar Sibujaya.
“The rat catching activity was for seven days from June 28 to July 4 and RM2 was paid for each rat caught. During the campaign, we also gave out 150 rat traps to selected traders in Sibujaya,” he said.
Sempurai said a health campaign and a contest to find the cleanest stalls at the Sibujaya food court were also held alongside the campaign.
State Deputy Minister for Public Health, Housing, and Local Government Datuk Michael Tiang urged people to participate in efforts to combat leptospirosis.
He said the community could play their part by keeping the town and its surroundings clean.
“As we all know, if our environment is clean, it not only promotes healthy living but also promotes business,” he said.
Tiang said it was reported that a total of 33 people were suspected of contracting leptospirosis after visiting a hot springs in Melaka.
“Due to that incident, the hot springs’ business was affected.”
Tiang added that it was important to eradicate rats as they spread leptospirosis.
“The rat problem is everywhere but we can reduce the rat population by cutting down their food supply,” said the Pelawan assemblyman.
He urged the community to manage their food waste disposal to cut the rats’ food supply.
