SIPMA calls for stricter enforcement of pest control for food operators

· Borneo Post Online
From left: Dennis Chong, managing director of Lestari Pest Sdn Bhd; Dr Ong Song-Quan, UMS chemist and entomologist, Mervin Liew; SIPMA chairman; Lenora Washington, senior manager of Pest Hunter; Jeremiah Mak, managing director of Pest Aside Sdn Bhd; Gary Lubasah, operation director of Pestlink Sdn Bhd.

KOTA KINABALU (Sept 21): The Sabah Integrated Pest Management Association (SIPMA) is urging the authorities to enhance the enforcement of pest control for food operators.

Its chairman, Mervin Liew, emphasized the need for consistent pest control practices to protect public health and support food businesses in upholding hygiene standards.

“Many food operators work hard to meet health requirement by partnering with licensed pest management companies. However, if authorities focus only on one-off enforcement, it becomes unfair to those operators who consistently invest time and resources to maintain compliance. Regular monthly treatments are essential to ensure a pest-free environment, much like regularly cleaning your own home,” said Liew.

“Ongoing maintenance prevents problems before they arise,” he added.

SIPMA believes that increased enforcement will help create a level playing field for all food operators and promote high standards across the industry. The association recommends that food operators work with licensed professionals to ensure their pest control practices are up-to-date.

“By enforcing these regulations, we can protect consumers, support responsible businesses, and promote fair competition,” he said.

For food operators, businesses and the public who wish to know which pest management companies in Sabah are professionally licensed, SIPMA can be contacted at sipma.sabah@gmail.com for further information.