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PUTATAN: Rat infestation in the district can no longer be regarded as a trivial issue as it has the potential to trigger a public health crisis, including the spread of deadly diseases such as leptospirosis.

Putatan District Officer Masawi Salleh said efforts by the local authority (PBT) to eradicate rat infestations will not succeed without cooperation from all parties.

“The level of environmental cleanliness, especially in public hotspots such as markets and food premises, must be tightened to ensure the chain of rodent-borne diseases and Salmonella can be fully broken.

“The presence of rats not only affects the district’s cleanliness image, but also poses serious health risks that can be fatal if comprehensive preventive measures are not taken.

“Today’s programme is a proactive step to raise public awareness on proper solid waste management. However, true success depends on the full involvement of the community, traders and premises owners,” he said.

His speech was delivered by the Chairman of the Beautification and Cleanliness Committee of the Putatan District Council (MDP), Mary Tolong Wong, at the launch of the 2026 Putatan District Rat Eradication Campaign at Taman Jumbo Market, Petagas, Thursday.

Masawi urged traders to ensure food waste is properly managed and to use covered rubbish bins to prevent premises from becoming breeding grounds for rats.

The campaign, organised by MDP in collaboration with the Ministry of Local Government and Housing (KKTP), was attended by district councillors, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), the Teluk Villa and Taman Jumbo Neighbourhood Watch, as well as traders from the Taman Jumbo area.

During the event, Theresa Ajin was named the winner of the Rat Trap Innovation Competition, taking home RM300 in cash and a certificate.

Also present were MDP Assistant Health and Environment Officer Syadzreel Amri Azhar and MDP Assistant Accountant Fadzlun Yuka.