Rats at MASkargo warehouse, Customs office a major concern
It’s very unusual for large number of rats to be found at airports, and this is a major hazard because they can climb into aircraft and damage the goods during loading and unloading of cargoes. Datuk Dr Jerip Susil, Assistant Minister of Transportation
KUCHING: The issue concerning the huge number of rats at the MASkargo warehouse and Customs Department office at the cargo terminal near Kuching International Airport ( KIA) calls for swift action to be taken immediately.
Assistant Minister of Transportation Datuk Dr Jerip Susil was informed of the alarming problem during a dialogue session with cargo stakeholders at KIA here yesterday.
He said the matter should not be taken lightly because uncontrolled rat population would pose serious health hazard.
“It’s very unusual for large number of rats to be found at airports, and this is a major hazard because they can climb into aircraft and damage the goods during loading and unloading of cargoes.
“It is also a serious health issue because a person coming into contact with rat urine and excrement can be infected with the Leptospirosis disease, which can spread to other people,” he said.
Dr Jerip suggested that the state Health Department and Malaysia Airport Bhd monitor the situation closely and obtain continuous feedback from the Customs Department and MASkargo.
State Customs Department senior assistant director Sargandang Liman highlighted the issue by mentioning a case that occurred a few years ago involving a customs officer who came into contact with the disease, but had since been reported to have survived the ordeal.
“We have lodged a report with MAB of this infestation, and they responded with a one- off action instead of continuous efforts,” he added.
He also said that customs officers working at the cargo terminal had taken proactive actions to repel the rats, which included using rat poison and glue traps to catch them.
“Despite of our (custom officers’) efforts, the rat population within the cargo terminal continues to grow, infest the area and damage our electronic equipment by bite off the wires and cables,” he added.
Sargandang thus urged the relevant authorities, especially MAB, to solve the problem fast.