“Children Playing with Rat at Bedok Playground Raises Health and Safety Concerns “

SINGAPORE: A recent video showing children handling a rat at a playground in Bedok South has sparked safety concerns among residents. Shared on the Facebook group Complaint Singapore, the video shows four boys, possibly in school uniforms, taking turns picking up a rat using their slippers and even their bare hands. The video, posted by Michael Wong on May 8, quickly gained attention and raised alarm about the health risks involved.

Responding to AsiaOne, an East Coast Town Council spokesperson confirmed that they had been treating the area for rats and are now stepping up pest control measures following feedback on the incident. They also urged residents to securely seal rubbish bags, as improperly disposed waste can attract pests.

Netizens reacted with worry, warning that handling rats could expose the children to diseases like leptospirosis, hantavirus, and salmonella, which can lead to severe health issues. Some commenters also raised concerns about rabies, although the National Centre for Infectious Diseases reports that rabies has not been detected in Singapore since 1953.

Wong, who initially reported a “rat issue” to the town council, expressed frustration over a delayed response. The incident underscores the need for awareness about the risks of handling wild animals and emphasizes the importance of proper waste disposal to curb pest populations.