Keep rats at bay to combat leptospirosis: Tiang

SIBU: Deputy Minister of Public Health, Housing, and Local Government Datuk Michael Tiang has called on the community to take part in efforts to combat leptospirosis.

According to him, the community can play their part by keeping the town and its surroundings clean.

“As we all know, if our environment is clean, it not only promotes healthy living but also promotes business,” he said at aRat Infestation Eradication Campaign at Sibujaya Market here today (July 1).

Tiang delivers his speech.

Citing a case at a hot spring in Melaka, Tiang said it was reported that a total of 33 individuals were suspected of contracting leptospirosis after visiting the hot spring.

“Due to the case, the whole hot spring was forced to close down, and of course, it affected the business there,” he said.

Hence, he said it is important to eradicate rats as they are one of the spreaders of leptospirosis and can be deemed super spreaders as they can swim, climb, and go underground.

“The rat issue is not easy to resolve because they are everywhere. But looking at the infestation, we can go back to the root of the cause to reduce the rat population by cutting down their food supply,” he said.

Therefore, Tiang, who is also Pelawan assemblyman, urged the community to manage their food waste as a way to cut the rats’ food supply.

“I would like to emphasise that this is everyone’s responsibility. So, I urge all of us, like this morning, to not only participate in this campaign but to come together and take on this responsibility in dealing with this rat infestation,” he added.

Also present was Sibu Rural District Council (SRDC) Chairman Sempurai Petrus Ngelai.

Tiang (seated centre) in a group photo at the campaign.