Stall owners at Clementi hawker centre were rewarded up to S$100 for catching rats, amount based on rat size

Stall owners at Clementi 448 Market & Food Centre have introduced a unique initiative to a long-standing rat problem: offering cash rewards for every rat caught.

Under this initiative, stall owners who catch rats receive rewards based on the size of the rodents, with the largest previously worth up to S$100.

The move aims to encourage stall owners to work together to improve the cleanliness at the hawker centre.

Rat issue

According to Shin Min Daily News, after receiving a tip-off from a reader regarding a rat sighting at the hawker centre, their reporters visited the market on Oct. 31.

When interviewed, stall owners confirmed that rats were indeed present in the hawker centre.

One stall owner told Shin Min that rats often appeared at night, particularly before and after the stalls close for the day, and can be seen crawling along the overhead beams.

Another stall owner pointed out that rat droppings are sometimes found on the beams, making cleaning more time-consuming.

In order to maintain hygiene and food safety, stall owners usually cover their food or store them in the refrigerator.

Rat catching reward mechanism

Regarding the rat problem, the stall owners told Shin Min that the Clementi Town Shop-Owners’ Association had implemented the rat-catching scheme to motivate stall owners to take part in pest control efforts.

In an interview with Shin Min, honorary president of the association, Xu Chong Yu (transliteration), said that the programme, now in its third year, is meant to foster teamwork among stall owners, rather than serve as a monetary incentive.

Photos provided by the association show vendors receiving prizes for the rats they caught.

Some received small sums for baskets of baby rats, while others earned up to S$100 for catching a large rat weighing one kilogram.

However, the scheme has since been adjusted and the maximum reward one can receive is now capped at S$50.

Members of the public who help to capture rats are also eligible for the incentive scheme.

Xu pointed out that participation remains strong and the initiative has significantly reduced the number of rats at the hawker centre.

Records showed that 15 rats were caught in July this year, earning a total of S$305 in rewards.

In August and October, 27 and 21 rats were caught respectively, earning S$520 and S$240 in rewards.

Fewer rats spotted

"There are fewer and fewer rats now," Xu told Shin Min. "Everyone has been working together to create a cleaner dining environment."

He added that both the authorities and stall owners place great emphasis on maintaining hygiene and have tested several rat-control methods, such as using rat traps and cages, which have proven highly effective so far.

Other stall owners interviewed also noted that the rat problem has improved significantly.

Top photos via Shin Min Daily News