Bukit Batok rat infestation: MP calls for more public education on dog feeding

SINGAPORE — Member of Parliament Lim Biow Chuan today (Dec 27) weighed in on the rat problem at Bukit Batok. He said many do not understand that stray dogs may not finish the food left for them, allowing rats and other pests to flourish.

Mr Lim, member of the Government Parliamentary Committee for National Development and Environment, said: “We should go on an outreach programme to reach out to coffeeshop owners and people living in the area, to say that if they see anyone trying to feed stray dogs, tell them to please make sure that they clear up the food after they have fed the animals.

“Of course, it’s best if you don’t even feed the animals, because you’re just leaving food around in an unhygienic manner.”

Mr Lim added that while officers from the National Environment Agency and the Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority could step up patrols in the area, they have limited resources. He said public education on the problem of leaving unconsumed food out would be the most effective solution.

Meanwhile, those involved in the pest control operation at Bukit Batok are seeing their efforts bear fruit. Only six rats were caught from last night to this afternoon, while infrared cameras set up around the area detected no trace of rats. CHANNEL NEWSASIA