Rise of the Rats: A Community Concern

SINGAPORE: The vibrant neighborhood of Pasir Ris West is facing a peculiar yet pressing issue - an alarming rise in the rat population. In a bold move to address this challenge, a multi-agency campaign dubbed 02RatFix!03 has been launched, employing night operations, strict food waste controls, and extensive educational outreach.

A New Strategy from the Top

Minister in the Prime Minister02s Office, Indranee Rajah, who also advises grassroots organizations in the area, unveiled the campaign during an engaging media event at Elias Mall. Rajah noticed a troubling number of rat sightings after moving to Pasir Ris and learned from local authorities that this division has more rat burrows than any other. The abundance of food outlets and ongoing MRT construction projects may be exacerbating this rat crisis.

A Proactive Approach: The Five Cs

Breaking away from traditional reactive methods, the RatFix! initiative focuses on a proactive approach by employing what's known as the 02Five Cs03 strategy: cutting food sources, clearing burrows, culling rodents, communicating with stakeholders, and coordinating efforts among various agencies. This comprehensive plan draws expertise from multiple organizations, including the Housing and Development Board (HDB) and the National Environment Agency (NEA).

Community Empowerment and Innovative Solutions

Grassroots groups are set to spearhead community engagement, promoting better waste management practices among residents and food vendors. Innovative solutions like food waste digesters at HDB commercial premises will help reduce food sources for the pesky rodents.

Among other initiatives, foot-operated lid bins are being piloted to minimize contact when disposing of waste, ensuring bins remain clean and accessible.

Monitoring Progress and Community Involvement

The Pasir Ris-Changi Town Council continues to monitor and respond to feedback on rat sightings through platforms like the OneService app, while the NEA shares crucial data on rodent activity. Educational exhibits centered around the Five Cs will raise community awareness and foster a commitment to minimizing rodent access to food.

Progress Made: From Complaints to Solutions

In a noticeable shift, rat-related complaints surged to 32 cases in January 2025 during the festive season. However, due to sustained efforts, this number dropped to 24 by April and even further to just six by August, showcasing the effectiveness of the campaign. Local officials stress the importance of residents actively participating in waste management to contribute to a cleaner environment.

A Model for Future Efforts

Minister Rajah envisions the RatFix! campaign as a potential blueprint for addressing rodent issues on a national scale. Success will depend not only on agency collaboration but also on the dedication of residents and local business owners to maintain a cleaner, safer community.

As she stated, It’s not just up to the agencies; we need everyone on board to make this a success. With RatFix!, Pasir Ris West is not just tackling a rat problem—it’s cultivating a community approach to public health and safety.