Rodent infestations have become a concerning issue in Kota Kinabalu, and the authorities have decided it’s time to take action. To help tackle the infestation, Kota Kinabalu City Hall (DBKK) is now offering RM2 for every rat caught, and this initiative will run until 31 July 2025.
Image credits: Canva
As part of a nationwide effort led by the Ministry of Housing and Local Government, DBKK has been chosen to represent Sabah in the mission to keep markets and public areas cleaner and safer for everyone.
DBKK’s mayor, Datuk Seri Dr Sabin Samitah, explained that this effort is about more than just getting rid of a few rats. Rats are more than an eyesore; they carry serious health risks like leptospirosis, a disease that can spread through food or water contaminated with rat urine and can be deadly if left untreated. The goal is to bring down the city’s “Rodent Index” to one or below, which basically means they want the rat population to drop to a manageable level, making the city healthier for everyone.
Rodent infestations becomes a concerning issue
This isn’t the first time an initiative like this has been launched and its track record proves that it works. Last year alone, DBKK managed to catch 1,299 rats. Between January and June of 2024, they removed another 775, and so far this year, 528 rats have already been caught, with over a hundred of those coming from the Central Market.
Image credits: Canva
On top of curbing the rodent infestations, DBKK will also be carrying out clean-up activities in markets and public spaces, encouraging stall owners to keep their areas clean, and even hosting cleanliness competitions to make the effort a bit more fun. Educational booths and brochures have been set up to teach the public about environmental health and why keeping the city clean is so important.
So if you’re looking to help curb the infestations and earn some extra pocket money, you know what to do!
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