IPOH: There has been an increase in the number of leptospirosis cases caused by rats in the Kinta District, says Datuk Rumaizi Baharin.
The Ipoh mayor said in 2022, a total of 81 cases were recorded, compared to 138 cases last year.
“Until June this year, a total of 136 cases were reported,” he said in his speech at the launch of a campaign to eradicate rat infestation at the Ipoh Central Market on Saturday (July 13).
Rumaizi said the campaign is one of the ongoing activities in line with the Cleanest City Ipoh target.
“Our target of rat control involves the main markets under our jurisdiction in stages, beginning with the Central Market.
“The main cause of the rat infestation problem at the central market is due to the improper management of fish, vegetable and fruit remnants,” he said.
Rumaizi said all traders at the Ipoh Central Market need to cooperate in dealing with the rat menace in terms of disposing fish, vegetable and fruit waste properly into tied garbage bags before putting it into covered bins.
He said the cooperation and commitment of traders to make this campaign a success is essential.
“Traders must install rat traps supplied to them during the campaign period.
“Traders are also requested to keep the stall environment clean at all times to eradicate rodent infestation in the market,” he added.
He said until June, a total of 949 traps have been installed around the market, and a total of 485 rats have been caught.
“This campaign is expected to raise awareness among the traders in the market, as well as the public in an effort to ensure that the environment is rodent-free,” he added.
