IAM to invest in technology to combat rat infestations

The Municipal Affairs Bureau (IAM) has announced plans to deploy technological solutions to address the growing problem of rat infestations in the city.

Chao Wai Ieng, the new president of the IAM, revealed that the organization is aware of the issue and has already taken action.

The number of locations where traps have been set has increased from 200 to 1,400, and the IAM is now exploring technology to enhance the effectiveness of its rodent control efforts.

The IAM is considering technological methods to optimize these traps, such as tracking bait consumption at each location. This data-driven approach aims to provide better insights into rodent activity and improve the overall management of infestations.

Chao elaborated that the IAM intends to monitor the amount of poison used at each trap site. This will allow the organization to gather crucial data and better understand patterns of rat activity. He believes this approach will enable the IAM to refine its strategies and improve the efficiency of its rodent control operations.

The urgency of this initiative was underscored when three supermarkets and a restaurant were temporarily closed due to rodent infestations. Investigations by the IAM’s Food Safety Department revealed that these establishments lacked adequate rodent prevention measures and proper food handling facilities.

“Given the risk to food safety, the IAM took immediate prevention and control measures and ordered the three Royal Supermarket establishments involved to suspend their activities,” the bureau said in a statement.

The IAM has assured the public that it will continue to monitor the situation and intensify inspections of local supermarkets. Victoria Chan