PEST control is not solely the responsibility of city councils or pest management companies — it involves everyone, says state EXCO for Tourism and Creative Economy, Wong Hon Wai.
Speaking at the Federation of Asian and Oceania Pest Managers Associations (FAOPMA) Pest Summit 2025 at St Giles Wembley, Wong emphasised that if Penangites are proud of their state, one clear way to show it is by cultivating habits that help keep the environment clean.
“These are fundamental habits we learn in school. Rubbish belongs in the bin, not the drain. Recyclable items go into recycling bins. What is dirty needs to be cleaned, what is malfunctioning must be repaired, and the infrastructure should be well-maintained. It is a collective effort,” Wong said.
He noted that since Penang’s economy heavily relies on tourism, maintaining cleanliness in public places such as hawker centres and hotels is crucial for both local and international visitors.
“Effective pest management is not just a standard; it’s a promise of health and quality to both visitors and our community. It ensures that our renowned cuisine remains safe to consume and our properties are protected,” he added.
Wong also highlighted that the occasional temporary closure of F&B outlets due to pest issues and the lack of scheduled pest control reflect the rigour of the state’s enforcement and its commitment to public health.
“These actions are not merely reactive; they are part of our proactive strategy to ensure accountability and uphold the highest hygiene benchmarks. Penang is a clean destination, and we are constantly striving to make it even cleaner, setting new benchmarks for urban hygiene.”
Organised by the Malaysia Pest Management Association (MPMA), the summit features 48 local and international experts, alongside a showcase of booths from regional pest control companies. The event provides participants with hands-on insights into pest control methods and prevention.
The three-day summit, which begins today, has drawn hundreds of delegates from 20 countries. This marks the second time Penang has hosted the FAOPMA Pest Summit, the first being in 2015.
This year’s theme, “From Reactive to Proactive: The Evolution of Pest Management,” drives discussions on the future of the industry, focusing on technology, innovation, sustainability, and public health. Topics include how pest management affects every sector, from residential to commercial and industrial.
Wong said the insights and solutions shared at FAOPMA are not limited to urban settings but extend to key sectors like agriculture, food security, and public health, ultimately impacting what people eat and their overall quality of life.
“I am confident that delegates from across Asia Pacific will exchange notes and ideas and bring home valuable knowledge to proactively manage pests in their own communities and industries,” he said.
MPMA president Regine Lim described the summit as a vibrant gathering of industry professionals from across Asia, Oceania, and beyond — a reflection of the shared passion and commitment to advancing the science, innovation, and professionalism of pest management.
“This year’s theme is timely. It reflects how far we’ve come, from traditional methods to today’s era of sustainability, digital integration, and global collaboration,” Lim said.
She expressed gratitude to the Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MYCEB) for supporting the event, as well as to generous sponsors, dedicated exhibitors, speakers, and researchers for sharing their expertise.
Organising chairman Belven Lee warmly welcomed delegates and encouraged them to explore Penang’s rich heritage and famous cuisine after gaining insights and forging new partnerships at the summit.
He recalled that he attended the FAOPMA Convention at the Equatorial Hotel in Penang in 2015 as a delegate.
“It feels surreal that 10 years ago, I was just a participant at the Equatorial Hotel, and now, I return as the organising chairman,” said Lee, who is also managing director of Econpest Hygiene Sdn Bhd.
“A decade represents more than the passage of time. It signifies growth, change and reflection. Over the last 10 years, both our industry and our personal journeys have evolved, shaped by rapid technological advancements and shifting societal needs.
“The theme of this year’s convention, ‘From Reactive to Proactive – the Evolution of Pest Management,’ embodies this spirit of transformation. It challenges us to rethink traditional practices and adapt forward-thinking strategies.”
Also present were Penang Island City Council (MBPP) mayor Datuk A. Rajendran, former FAOPMA president Taro Kanazawa, and MBPP Environmental, Health Department director Dr Chin Wee Loon.
Story by K.H. Ong
Pix by Darwina Mohd Daud