The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) on Thursday warned the management of the Langham Place mall in Mong Kok to take effective measures against rodent infestation or face prosecution, after an inspection found “unsatisfactory” conditions at the shopping centre.

The inspection of common areas and food premises at Langham Place was conducted after footage of a rat running on a handrail at the mall spread online.

Inspectors found signs of rodent activity, holes in false ceilings, and an improperly covered rubbish bin inside a restaurant.

“These could not only make it easy for rodents to enter and exit, but also provide them with food sources and hiding spots”, the FEHD said in a statement, adding that the situation was deemed unsatisfactory.

The department issued a Notice of Elimination of Vermin, requiring management to take steps to remove conditions conducive to rodent infestation by August 6 or face prosecution. A verbal warning was issued to the restaurant with the improperly-covered bin.

The FEHD said it was told that Langham Place had already arranged for a pest control company to conduct thorough cleaning and strengthen anti-rodent measures.

A department spokesman stressed that owners or occupiers of private premises are responsible for clearing rodents within their premises, and must fulfill their legal responsibility to proactively implement effective rodent prevention and control measures.

The spokesman said the FEHD has stepped up cleaning and anti-rodent measures in public places near Langham Place, 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 the area.



Edited by Cecil Wong