PETALING JAYA, 16 May: The case of rat urine disease that can cause kidney failure and death has shown a significant increase in Petaling Jaya.

Mayor Mohd Azizi Mohd Zain said that as of May this year, a total of 382 cases were reported in the Petaling district, and 121 cases out of the number were reported in the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) area.

“In less than half a year, MBPJ has recorded a significant increase in cases compared to last year and it is something that is worrying,” he said at the Mr Rat Mass Reduction Action Task Force launching at the Balai Rukun Tetangga in Section 21 today.

According to his data, 738 cases were reported last year and 171 cases were concentrated in the MBPJ area.

“We ask everyone to take this matter seriously because normally rat problems are often associated with poor hygiene,” he said.

MBPJ has been asked to intensify waste management efforts and to contain the spread of rats through cooperation with traders, local residents and non-governmental organisations.

A total of 50 rat traps have been distributed to business associations, followed by the closing of rat holes, smoking rat holes and poisoning rats.

“Food waste or garbage should be thrown regularly so that rats do not have the space or opportunity to breed.

“All food should be placed in sealed containers or stored in an orderly and clean manner,” he said.

NS