Executive Yuan: Taipei's Rodent Infestation is 'Real,' Public Health Knows No Central-Local Divide, Willing to Assist
Taiwan's Executive Yuan acknowledged the 'real' rodent problem in Taipei and stated that public health has no central-local distinction, expressing willingness to assist local governments if needed.
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- 📰 Published: May 7, 2026 at 14:47
- 🔍 Collected: May 7, 2026 at 15:01 (14 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: May 7, 2026 at 15:14 (12 min after Collected)
Central News Agency (Reporter Lai Yu-chen, Taipei, 7th) - Taipei City's rodent problem has recently sparked discussion. The Executive Yuan today stated that it has noticed citizens in Taipei witnessing rats and being frightened by them, indicating that the rodent infestation is 'real.' This is also the general public's feeling, and public health knows no central-local distinction. If local counties and cities have needs, the central government is willing to provide assistance.
Recently, citizens in Taipei have frequently reported the appearance of rats on the streets. Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an led relevant departments, including the Environmental Protection Bureau, to hold a 'Taipei City Rodent Control Press Conference,' announcing a comprehensive prevention, comprehensive disinfection, and all-round cross-departmental approach to address the rat problem. He urged citizens not to panic and pledged to uphold the professionalism and dignity of frontline civil servants.
Media asked whether Taipei City's representative would reflect on and discuss the rodent issue at today's Executive Yuan meeting. Executive Yuan Spokesperson Li Hui-chih stated at the post-meeting press conference that Taipei City's representative did not speak on this matter today, while Taoyuan City Deputy Mayor Su Chun-pin expressed concerns about the rodent issue during the meeting.
Li Hui-chih said that they have indeed noticed citizens in Taipei witnessing rats and being frightened by them, and the rodent problem is 'real,' which is also the general public's feeling. Maintaining the living environment is closely related to public health and food safety. Although it is a local matter in terms of responsibility, public health knows no central-local distinction. If local counties and cities have needs, the central government is willing to provide assistance.
Sun Chung-wei, Head of the Hazardous Substances Control Division of the Environmental Protection Administration's Chemical Substances Bureau, also explained at the press conference that regarding rodent infestation, the Taipei City Government recently visited the Ministry of Environment to seek advice. The Ministry of Environment provided guidance principles for rodent control: 'don't let rats come, don't let rats stay, don't let rats eat,' and recommended prioritizing physical control for rodent management. If pesticides are necessary, they must be centrally approved, and there are precautions for their deployment.
Sun Chung-wei stated that the Ministry of Environment has set up a special zone for rodent control on its official website, where both local governments and the general public can refer to relevant information.
Media also inquired about the necessity of Taipei City introducing 'rat detectives.' Sun Chung-wei replied that he had not heard of 'rat detectives' before, but rodent control can be tailored to local conditions. As long as it genuinely helps address citizens' concerns about rodent infestation, its subsequent implementation can be observed and considered for future reference.
Recently, citizens in Taipei have frequently reported the appearance of rats on the streets. Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an led relevant departments, including the Environmental Protection Bureau, to hold a 'Taipei City Rodent Control Press Conference,' announcing a comprehensive prevention, comprehensive disinfection, and all-round cross-departmental approach to address the rat problem. He urged citizens not to panic and pledged to uphold the professionalism and dignity of frontline civil servants.
Media asked whether Taipei City's representative would reflect on and discuss the rodent issue at today's Executive Yuan meeting. Executive Yuan Spokesperson Li Hui-chih stated at the post-meeting press conference that Taipei City's representative did not speak on this matter today, while Taoyuan City Deputy Mayor Su Chun-pin expressed concerns about the rodent issue during the meeting.
Li Hui-chih said that they have indeed noticed citizens in Taipei witnessing rats and being frightened by them, and the rodent problem is 'real,' which is also the general public's feeling. Maintaining the living environment is closely related to public health and food safety. Although it is a local matter in terms of responsibility, public health knows no central-local distinction. If local counties and cities have needs, the central government is willing to provide assistance.
Sun Chung-wei, Head of the Hazardous Substances Control Division of the Environmental Protection Administration's Chemical Substances Bureau, also explained at the press conference that regarding rodent infestation, the Taipei City Government recently visited the Ministry of Environment to seek advice. The Ministry of Environment provided guidance principles for rodent control: 'don't let rats come, don't let rats stay, don't let rats eat,' and recommended prioritizing physical control for rodent management. If pesticides are necessary, they must be centrally approved, and there are precautions for their deployment.
Sun Chung-wei stated that the Ministry of Environment has set up a special zone for rodent control on its official website, where both local governments and the general public can refer to relevant information.
Media also inquired about the necessity of Taipei City introducing 'rat detectives.' Sun Chung-wei replied that he had not heard of 'rat detectives' before, but rodent control can be tailored to local conditions. As long as it genuinely helps address citizens' concerns about rodent infestation, its subsequent implementation can be observed and considered for future reference.