📋 Tender Overview
In response to media enquiries regarding the rodent sightings in Langham Place in Mong Kok a spokesman for the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department FEHD said today July 30 that the department has long attached great importance to the prevention and control of rodent infestation and it will proactively follow up on any premises where poor hygiene conditions lead to such infestation
Upon learning of the rodent sightings at the shopping centre concerned this morning the FEHD immediately deployed staff to inspect its common areas and food premises During the inspection signs of rodent activity and holes in false ceilings were found and a licensed food premises was found to have an improperly covered rubbish bin in its food room These could not only make it easy for rodents to enter and exit but also provide them with food sources and hiding spots The situation was deemed unsatisfactory The FEHD staff provided hygiene education and advice on rodent prevention and control measures to the shopping centres management and staff which include the implementation of effective pest control measures and reminders to maintain personal food and environmental hygiene at all times The department learnt that the shopping centre concerned has already arranged for a pest control company to conduct thorough cleaning and strengthen antirodent measures
The spokesman stressed that owners or occupiers of private premises including indoor venues such as shopping centres are responsible for clearing rodents within their premises The persons in charge of private premises must earnestly fulfil their legal responsibilities and proactively implement effective rodent prevention and control measures
In view of the inspection results today the FEHD officers issued a Notice of Elimination of Vermin in accordance with Section 471 of the Public Health and Municipal Services Ordinance Cap 132 requiring the property management of Langham Place in Mong Kok to take necessary steps to remove conditions conducive to rodent infestation by August 6 failing which prosecution may be instituted Meanwhile the FEHD staff also issued a verbal warning to the person in charge of the relevant food premises requiring rectification of the irregularity
The FEHD will continue to monitor the hygienic condition of Langham Place in Mong Kok and take appropriate actions to safeguard environmental hygiene and public health If any premises is found with poor hygiene condition mishandling of food or refuse or possibly causing rodent infestation the department will adopt appropriate enforcement actions depending on actual circumstances in accordance with the Public Health and Municipal Services Ordinance Cap 132 and its subsidiary legislation with a view to safeguarding public health
The spokesman reiterated that the FEHD has always attached great importance to environmental hygiene and rodent infestation is of particular concern The department implements targeted antirodent measures across all districts and strengthens inspections and enforcement according to risk assessments to stringently combat irregularities that could lead to rodent infestation or affect public health including actively inspecting private premises and issuing statutory Notice of Elimination of Vermin to relevant property managements or building owners
As for Mong Kok District the FEHD has issued 10 statutory Notices of Elimination of Vermin over the past six months and has also issued 122 fixed penalty notices to individuals who violated cleansing regulations in the vicinity of the shopping centre In addition to daily cleaning and antirodent work in public areas the FEHD had stepped up cleaning and antirodent measures in public places near the shopping centre concerned including increasing the number of mouse traps and bait boxes in nearby rear lanes as well as increasing the frequency of cleaning and inspections in these areas to enhance the effectiveness of rodent control
Rodent control requires the participation of all sectors of society focusing on three aspects namely food harbourage and passages cutting off food sources eliminating hiding places and preventing entry into premises Examples include properly storing food and kitchen waste keeping premises clean inside and out avoiding the accumulation of refuse and promptly sealing holes and crevices in walls doors pipes and other areas that could allow rodents to enter so as to reduce the risk of rodent infestation
The FEHD will continue to strengthen collaboration with various stakeholders and to raise public awareness of environmental hygiene through publicity and education encouraging the adoption of good living habits to reduce rodent infestation risks at source
