Rats vex Bukit Batok shopkeepers by chewing food packaging, intruding into F&B areas

Shopkeepers at Bukit Batok East Avenue 4 have been vexed over what appears to be a rat infestation.

At least four blocks have been affected, reported Shin Min Daily News in a Nov. 25 report.

A woman named Zheng (transliteration), who frequents the coffee shop at Block 273 Bukit Batok East, told the Chinese media that rats started appearing at the place around three to four months ago.

She said: "I see them almost every day. There were rats running along the empty shelves. They even climbed on the eggs. I also saw them on the tray return station."

Zheng highlighted that this was a matter of hygiene and said the authorities should investigate and find the rats' nest.

Six shopkeepers in the vicinity told the Chinese media that they've spotted the rats.

Two of them have even suffered damage to their goods.

Ye (transliteration), a provision shop owner, said she has been very vexed by the rodent problem.

She said: "We can't find the rats' nest, but we often see rats running into our shop and biting our products. These rats are so fat and big."

On Nov. 23, Ye found a loaf of bread with bite marks on it.

Previously, a packet of instant noodles, as well as a pack of salted fish showed they had been tampered with.

According to Ye, this is almost a "daily occurrence" and it has been affecting her business.

Pest control was engaged previously to exterminate the rats, but it didn't work.

Subsequently, Ye decided to take matters into her own hands and deploy glue traps, which yielded several rats.

However, there is no end in sight for the rat problem.

"Every time we catch a rat, a new one appears. There must be a rats' nest nearby. They keep multiplying. It's giving us a headache," said Ye.

Town council addressing the issue

When contacted, the town council that oversees Bukit Batok Avenue 4 told Mothership that it has been "actively addressing" the issue.

According to a spokeperson from the Jurong-Clementi Town Council, there are four blocks that were affected by the rat sightings. They are blocks  273, 274, 278, and 279 along Bukit Batok East Ave 4:

"We have increased inspections in the affected common areas and are working closely with the National Environment Agency (NEA), the Singapore Food Agency (SFA), and coffeeshop operators and surrounding shops to implement effective pest control measures.

In addition, we are strengthening cleaning and maintenance schedules, while advising on proper housekeeping and waste management practices to prevent further issues."

Top images: Shin Min Daily News, 273 Bukit Batok East Ave 4 Coffeeshop/Facebook