Rat infestation plagues Bukit Batok neighbourhood, causing distress to residents and businesses

A worsening rat infestation in Bukit Batok is causing distress to residents and shop owners, with daily sightings reported across multiple blocks. Businesses along Bukit Batok East Avenue 4 have experienced damaged goods, while residents in neighbouring streets, such as Bukit Batok Street 31, have reported rodents entering their homes. Grocery store clerk Ye Yanhua, 56, described the situation as relentless, sharing that rats frequently bite into store goods. "We often see rats running into our store and biting the goods. They are fat and big," Ms Ye told Shin Min Daily News. Despite hiring pest control services and setting up traps, the infestation persists. Residents in the area echo similar frustrations. Ms Zheng, a regular visitor to the coffee shop at Block 273, reported seeing rats on empty shelves and even climbing on eggs. Another resident, Mr Mak, from Block 302, shared that rats had entered his home, likely through water pipes or the front door. He described them as "more than 10cm long—bigger than a newborn kitten." The Jurong-Clementi Town Council has implemented several measures, including increased patrols, rat traps, and changes to cleaning schedules. Just a few streets away at Block 304 Bukit Batok Street 31, a similar rat problem has been reported. A netizen uploaded a video on 5 June showing a group of rats scurrying around the void deck and rummaging through dustbins. The individual claimed the infestation had been ongoing for months. A resident from Block 302, identified as Mak, shared that rats had even entered his home. On one occasion in June, he encountered rodents in his kitchen, which he believes entered through water pipes or the front door. "The rats are more than 10cm long—bigger than a newborn kitten," Mak said, adding that the sight of the rodents was deeply unsettling despite no damage being caused. Other residents have spotted rat droppings and dead rodents around the estate. A woman surnamed Liu said she had requested cleaners to help remove carcasses found in drains. Addressing the issue, the Chua Chu Kang Town Council (CCKTC) stated it is collaborating with pest control operators and government agencies to eradicate the rats. Their three-pronged approach focuses on surveillance, eradication, and prevention. "Our inspections have located their burrows, and we have since placed baits and rodenticide to exterminate them," said a spokesperson. Regular trapping and culling operations are conducted to manage the rodent population. Additional measures include monthly inspections, twice-weekly follow-ups in areas with detected burrows, and strategic placement of rodent baits at high-activity locations, such as bin chutes and refuse centres. Both town councils urge residents and businesses to maintain cleanliness to deter rodents, as environmental factors often attract pests. However, the infestation remains a persistent challenge, and authorities continue to monitor and address the issue.

Rat problems extend to other parts of Singapore

Bukit Batok’s infestation is not isolated, as similar problems have been reported in other parts of Singapore, including Hougang. A recent video uploaded on 22 November to the Facebook group Complaint Singapore showed rats scurrying around a coffee shop kitchen at Block 23 Hougang Avenue 3. The footage revealed multiple rats on the kitchen sink, with one nibbling on uncovered meat in a plastic bag. "You see, [the rat] is eating the meat," said the individual recording the video. Packaged food, including noodles, was visible on a nearby table, raising serious hygiene concerns. Hougang has previously faced rodent-related incidents. In January 2024, a resident found rat droppings in her car engine, with chewed wires rendering the vehicle inoperable. In July, a rat was seen on a dining table at Orchard Central’s Don Don Donki, and in August, a resident at Hougang Avenue 6 was bitten by a rat. The Aljunied-Hougang Town Council attributed these issues to nearby construction or sewer activity and assured residents of ongoing pest control measures.

Efforts and challenges in rat control

The National Environment Agency (NEA) has reported progress in reducing rat burrows, with numbers dropping by 50% in public areas—from 5,200 in 2023 to 2,700 in the first half of 2024. However, isolated incidents continue to surface. Authorities across Singapore, including Chua Chu Kang Town Council, have implemented surveillance, trapping, and baiting measures to combat rodent activity. These include monthly inspections and the strategic placement of rodenticides at key locations. Despite these efforts, the persistence of infestations highlights the need for public cooperation. Improper waste management, environmental factors, and construction disruptions are often cited as contributing factors. Premises owners who fail to address refuse management issues may face enforcement action under the Environmental Public Health Act (EPHA) and the Control of Vectors and Pesticides Act (CVPA).

Health risks and penalties

Rats are known carriers of diseases such as leptospirosis and hantavirus, which can cause severe health complications, including kidney damage and fatal respiratory illnesses. The NEA has urged property owners and residents to implement proper cleaning and refuse disposal practices. Under the CVPA, first-time offenders may face fines of up to S$20,000, imprisonment of up to three months, or both. For offences under the EPHA, fines can reach S$1,000, with additional penalties for prolonged non-compliance.