Rats feasted on uncovered meat at Hougang Coffee Shop

SINGAPORE: A video has been uploaded to a Facebook group. Complaint Singapore On November 22, a rat infestation was reported at a coffee shop reportedly located in Block 23, Hougang Avenue 3.

The footage shows several rats crawling around the kitchen sink and surrounding areas, causing serious hygiene issues.

At least four rats can be seen in the video, one of which is hanging around the wok.

The situation gets worse when the rat starts gnawing on the exposed meat in the open plastic bag on the sink.

“You see, (the rat) eats meat,” remarks the person recording the video.

Soon two more rats join the “feast”, and packaged food, including noodles, is visible on a nearby table.

A man’s voice can be heard in the background suggesting that the evidence be reported to the Ministry of Health (MOH) and calling on authorities to close the kitchen.

Rat incidents on the rise despite NEA progress

The National Environment Agency (NEA) previously reported a 50 per cent reduction in the number of rat holes in public spaces in the first half of 2024 compared to 2023, with the number of holes falling from 5,200 to 2,700.

However, isolated incidents continue, including:

• January 2024: A Hougang woman found rat droppings in her car’s engine, and chewed wiring rendered the car inoperable.
• July 2024: A rat was seen on the dining table at Don Don Donki restaurant in Orchard Central.
• August 2024: Resident of Hougang Avenue 6. reported that he was bitten by a ratwhich the Aljunid-Hougang City Council attributed to possible migration from nearby construction sites or sewers.

AHTC assured residents of ongoing inspections and training of food establishments on waste management.

Health and legal implications

According to NEARats spread diseases such as leptospirosis and hantavirus, which can potentially lead to serious health problems such as kidney damage and fatal respiratory diseases.

Property owners who fail to properly dispose of waste or create conditions conducive to rat infestation may be subject to enforcement action under Environmental Health Act (EPHA)) and the Control of Vectors and Pesticides Act (CVPA).

Under the CVPA, first-time offenders can be fined up to S$20,000, jailed for up to three months, or both.

For a first offense under the Environmental Protection Act (EPHA), the penalty includes a fine of up to S$1,000, plus an additional fine of up to S$100 for each day the offense continues after conviction.