THE national pest control industry has grown from 500 operators and distributors to over 1,000 last year in tandem with the urbanisation rate.
The local market is now believed to be valued around RM106.26 billion with a compound annual growth rate of 4.9% until 2033.
The factors driving the growth is likely urbanisation, construction activities, public health concerns over bug infestations and a need for food security.
Speaking at the Federation of Asian and Oceania Pest Managers Associations (FAOPMA)'s pest summit at Penang, organising chairman Belven Lee said public awareness is crucial for the control of pests which range from rodents to wildlife and insects.
Also present was Malaysian Pest Management Association president Regine Lim.
Lee and Lim shared that the summit can be the baseline to generate more awareness about the latest strategies to fight pests.
The industry also needs to unveil low toxicity measures and products when fighting infestations while ensuring cleanliness and sanitation.
There is also a need to use plant - based products to clear properties in both commercial and residential areas of pests, said Lim.
Lee also drew attention to the commitment from local authorities to reward food court operators and hawkers who practise good hygiene.
Later, Penang Island City Council public health director Dr Chin Wee Loon said that the council has begun to study imposing such conditions on food court operators and hawkers when their licenses are up for renewal.
Chin said the council has launched many public campaigns to encourage vendors to adopt a closed system for discarding food waste.
The three-day summit at the St Giles Wembley Hotel is attended by some 1,500 delegates from 20 countries.
State executive councillor for tourism Wong Hon Wai launched the event saying that Penang's business events scene is growing with an increasing number of educational and industry events.
Wong also said that business events have become a focal point in generating growth in tourism. - July 14, 2025.
