Clementi Hawker Centre Takes Action Against Rodent Infestation

Stallholders at the **Clementi 448 Market & Food Centre** in Singapore are actively combating a persistent rat problem by implementing a unique cash reward system for catching rodents. This initiative, supported by the **Clementi Town Shop Owners’ Association**, has been in place for the past three years, allowing vendors to earn up to **S$50 (US$38.50)** per rat. The program aims to maintain cleanliness and improve the overall environment of the hawker centre, which is located near **Clementi MRT Station**.

Recently, the initiative gained visibility following a report from **Shin Min Daily News**. Stallholders are now required to hand over trapped rats to licensed pest controllers, as authorities reminded them not to dispose of the animals themselves. This guidance came on **November 12, 2023**, after the vendors had previously handled the disposal process, which could cost as much as **S$80**.

Rising Rat Numbers Prompt Action

Rats have long been a significant concern in Singapore, with experts linking their proliferation to rapid breeding and inadequate waste management practices. Data from the **National Environment Agency (NEA)** revealed a troubling increase in rat burrows, with an average of **5,400** detected per cycle in the first half of **2025**, nearly double the **2,800** recorded during the same period in the previous year.

In response to the rising rat population, enforcement actions against premise owners for lapses relating to rodent control increased by approximately **26%** in early **2023**. The **Jurong-Clementi-Bukit Batok Town Council**, which oversees the hawker centre, has also stepped up its efforts to assist stallholders by providing pest control services at no charge.

Vendors at the market employ various methods, such as cages and glue traps, to catch rats, mainly in the wet market area. The cash rewards serve as both an incentive and a deterrent, helping to ensure that the stallholders remain vigilant. As one vendor noted, “This is our duty to catch the rats and keep the hawker centre clean,” highlighting a collective responsibility among the stallholders.

Community Efforts Yield Results

The community’s efforts appear to be paying off. Following the implementation of the cash initiative, reports indicate that the number of trapped rats has significantly decreased. Stallholders noted that prior to the pandemic, they observed more than **10** rats daily. This month, only one rat has been reported caught so far, according to the town council’s data.

Reflecting on the program’s impact, **Henroy Tan**, the market’s chairman, stated, “Over the years, there has been a lot of improvement. Only lately are there not many rats caught.” The association has had to adjust the maximum cash reward from **S$100** to **S$50** due to budget constraints, but the incentive continues to motivate stallholders. Last month, the organization distributed **S$240** for more than **10** rats, a sharp decline from the **20** rats caught in July, which yielded about **S$500** in rewards.

Former chairman **Patrick Sze** emphasized the necessity of maintaining the program, expressing concern that discontinuation could lead to a rapid resurgence of the rodent population. “Just imagine if we stop this program; they will come back very fast,” he warned.

In addition to ongoing trapping efforts, the market plans to undergo significant renovations early next year, with designs aimed at deterring rats effectively. Vendor **Ng Peng Khoon**, who has personally caught more than five rats since the initiative began, praised the collaborative effort, stating, “The project is very good… it helped a lot.”

As Singapore continues to address its rat population, initiatives like the one at Clementi 448 Market & Food Centre exemplify community-driven efforts to create a cleaner and healthier environment.