After the recent closure of three branches of a local supermarket chain and a local eatery due to serious mouse infestations, the Municipal Affairs Bureau (IAM) said in a statement yesterday that it have been taken various measures to eliminate rodents, restrict their movement, and cut off food supplies for them, further reinforcing its approach of prioritising prevention over extermination.
Restaurants often store excessive clutter and food supplies, which can provide ideal hiding spots and food sources for rodents, the statement said. To address the issue, the bureau has partnered with the public Macau Productivity and Technology Transfer Centre (CPTTM) to deliver comprehensive training that includes theoretical knowledge and practical site assessments at various locations, including private properties and dining establishments, the statement noted.
The bureau is also rolling out training programmes targeting key sectors such as property management, sanitation, and the food industry, with 70 industry professionals having completed training courses on the subject and received certificates for successfully passing their knowledge assessment, the statement said.
In addition to training, the bureau is intensifying its efforts in public areas by conducting regular rodent control operations, which focus on critical locations such as flowerbeds, green belts, and drainage systems, the statement said.
Approximately 1,400 fixed rodent bait boxes have been installed on public streets, with dedicated personnel checking and replenishing bait weekly to effectively manage the rodent population, the statement noted.
This handout photo provided by the Municipal Affairs Bureau (IAM) yesterday shows its staff members baiting a public street for rodent control.
