NEA to tighten rat control measures from April 1 as enforcement cases nearly double in 2024

The National Environment Agency (NEA) announced on 14 February that it took enforcement action in over 1,000 cases in 2024 against owners or occupiers of premises with rat infestations. This figure nearly doubles the 670 cases recorded in 2023.

The cases involved various locations, including shopping malls, trade premises, and food establishments. NEA revealed that close to half of the 2024 cases were attributed to poor refuse management, which creates favourable conditions for rat infestations.

To curb the issue, NEA will introduce stricter enforcement measures from 1 April. These measures will focus on three key areas:

• Poor refuse management and housekeeping practices that allow rats to thrive


• Defects in refuse-handling facilities that could serve as entry points for rats


• The presence of rat nests on the premises

Under the Control of Vectors and Pesticides Act, first-time offenders found guilty of rat-related lapses may face fines of up to S$20,000, imprisonment of up to three months, or both. Additionally, under the Environmental Public Health (Public Cleansing) Regulations, first-time offenders can be fined up to S$1,000, with additional fines imposed if the offence continues after conviction.

NEA emphasised that enforcement alone is not a sufficient long-term solution to rat infestations. The agency employs technological tools such as infrared and thermal cameras to detect and monitor rat activity.

It shares this surveillance data with town councils and government agencies to support their rat control efforts.

The agency also urged the public to play an active role in preventing rat infestations. Members of the public are advised to properly bag and dispose of food waste in refuse bins, ensuring bin covers remain shut.

Additionally, food handlers should store food in tightly sealed, rat-proof containers and keep items off the ground.

Recent cases have highlighted the ongoing challenges of rat control. In early 2025, stallholders at Beauty World Food Centre were instructed to use rat-proof containers for food storage after checks indicated the presence of rats in ceilings and common areas.

NEA inspections found “extensive rodent droppings” throughout the premises, prompting building management to issue warnings to stall operators.

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.

A video uploaded on 22 November last year to the Facebook group Complaint Singapore showed rats scurrying around a coffee shop kitchen at Block 23 Hougang Avenue 3.

CNA has also reported that rats have made the various aviaries at Singapore's only bird park their home and have been running amok in the bird enclosures.

With enforcement tightening from April, NEA aims to reinforce the responsibility of venue managers in implementing measures to prevent rat infestations, ultimately improving public hygiene and safety.