Malaysian authorities have reported a significant rise in poisoning cases that is linked to unregistered and illegal rat poison products over the past few years. More than 40% of rat poisoning cases from year 2023-2025 involved illegal products sold in the market. What is alarming is that children aged 1-4 years old makes up the majority of these cases. They are reported to have been accidentally exposed to the rat poison for example, ingesting baits that are placed in open areas.
Some products that are examined showed that they contained extremely toxic ingredients that are not declared on the label – or are banned in many countries. Therefore, authorities are calling for tighter control and stronger enforcement laws on sales of all pesticides and rodenticide products, especially on e-commerce/online platforms.
Warning: Exposure to rat poison is a medical emergency because it is extremely dangerous which is fatal to humans. It can cause internal bleeding, organ failure, convulsions, and coma. Symptoms depend on the type of chemical exposed or ingested. The common types of rat poison are often anticoagulant or nerve-acting. Accidental ingestion of these chemical can cause vomiting, severe bruising, nosebleeds and abdominal pain.
1. In Malaysia, pesticides and rodenticides are regulated under the Pesticides Act 1874 and must be registered with Pesticide Board Malaysia.
How to make sure product is registered:
- Must have product label
- Pesticide Registration Number (e.g. LRMP.R1/xxxx)
- Manufacturer/importer name and address
- Active ingredients clearly listed
- Hazard warning symbols
- Instructions in Bahasa Malaysia
Refrain from using or buying products that does not have registration number, sold in plain packaging or plastic bag, no ingredient list, sold via unofficial social media seller.
If unsure, you can verify registration through the Pesticide Board’s official website or contact them directly.
2. How to use Registered Rat Poison Safely at Home
As there are many poisoning cases involving young children, placement and storage is critical. Always place rat poison in temper-resistant bait stations, and not entirely exposed in open spaces.
- You can place them in ceiling spaces, locked cabinets or places that cannot be reached by young children.
- Do not leave it in a corner of your kitchen or put them in uncovered containers.
- Store them in original packaging and locked in a cabinet.
- Keep it away from food and pet areas.
3. Safer Alternatives to Solve Rat Infestation
If you have small children or pets, consider professional and licensed pest control treatment by Sincerae Services. Our pest control specialist helps to eliminate rats in the safest way tailored for your home and also helps to prevent re-infestation.
To know more about our Rat Control Services in KL and Selangor, click here.
4. What To Do in Case of Suspected Poisoning
If a child or pet may have ingested rat poison:
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Do NOT wait for symptoms
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Do NOT induce vomiting unless told by medical professionals
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Go immediately to the nearest emergency department
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Bring the product packaging if possible
You can also contact:
They provide poisoning advice and emergency guidance.
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