From deadly diseases to property pains, Penang's pigeon infestation public bane

GEORGE TOWN: Readers of The Star have shared their concerns in response to a report about local authorities in Penang dealing with pigeon infestations, sharing stories ranging from infections to property issues.

A woman on social media pleaded with those who feed pigeons after her son contracted cryptococcosis, a deadly fungal infection of the brain commonly spread through pigeon faeces.

"They don't realise that the birds' droppings can cause many fatal diseases," she wrote on The Star's Facebook page on Saturday (Nov 2) after the newspaper reported that Penang's local authorities were 'waging war' against a pigeon infestation.

She added that although her son survived the infection, he now has a tube permanently fixed from the back of his head to his stomach to drain excess fluids.

The Cryptococcus neoformans fungus is found worldwide, and numerous research articles indicate it is commonly found in pigeon faeces.

People risk infection when breathing in dust from dried pigeon droppings. Those with impaired immune systems are particularly susceptible. The infection is potentially lethal, and immediate treatment is essential.

It first attacks the lungs, causing pneumonia-like symptoms, and can then affect the brain and spinal cord, causing meningitis. Other organs can also be harmed.

Many others have commented on The Star's Facebook page, urging local authorities to cull pigeons to prevent them from flocking in urban areas by the hundreds.

They named several locations where people regularly feed pigeons, resulting in large congregations of the birds.

Among the locations mentioned were Jalan Penang, Jalan Yeoh Cheang Aun, Ashley Garden in Bukit Gambier, and the Shell petrol station in Paya Terubong.

A man said he had to abandon his condominium in Jalan Air Terjun years ago because of the neighbourhood's pigeons.

"We had to cover our entire condominium with nets to keep the pigeons away," he wrote.

"People who feed pigeons don't realise the issue. They think they're being kind and caring, but those birds can spread flu, bacteria, viruses, and make a mess in public places," another reader wrote.

The Penang Island City Council (MBPP) has been trapping pigeons using fishing cast nets and remote-controlled cage traps and about 7,000 pigeons have been caught this year.

Nine people were caught feeding pigeons between February and July and were fined RM250 under local government by-laws against littering.

It is understood that MBPP is considering a new regulation to specifically make feeding pigeons an offence with a RM500 fine.

To report to MBPP, Penangites can call its 24/7 hotline [phone] or 04-263 7000), send a WhatsApp message to its complaints section (016-600 4082), or visit aduan.mbpp.gov.my.