PETALING JAYA: A total of 65,820 rats were caught last year as part of efforts to keep the city clean, reveals the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL).
In addition, 272 public complaints about rat nuisance were also received in 2023.
“DBKL also conducted the Rat Campaign, whereby RM3 was given per rat caught in the markets around Kuala Lumpur through the involvement of the public,” it said in a statement yesterday.
DBKL also said it carried out nine crow-shooting operations in 2023, focusing on known hotspots for crows in Kuala Lumpur.
A total of 2,301 crows were shot via the operations carried out last year, it added.
Malaysian Indian Restaurant Owners Association (Primas) president Govindasamy Jayabalan said rats, crows and pigeons had grown into a formidable force, creating a challenge for the people.
He said the problem was caused by the combination of rapid urbanisation and improper waste management.
“As the city expanded, so did the availability of food scraps and refuse, providing a perfect environment for these animals to thrive.
“Consulting with professionals such as pest control experts or wildlife management authorities can help develop more effective and ethical solutions for managing these animals,” he said in response to the increased pest population in the city.
