Kota Kinabalu: Professional pest management plays an increasingly important role in protecting public health, food safety and environmental sustainability as Sabah continues to develop, said Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Sabah and Sarawak Affairs) Datuk Ts Mustapha Sakmud.
He said the profession extends far beyond controlling termites, rats, mosquitoes and other pests, contributing directly to the quality of life of communities.
Professional pest management safeguards homes, businesses and public infrastructure, while also supporting tourism and environmental sustainability, and deserves greater recognition and respect, he added.
“As Sabah continues to develop economically, our expectations for hygiene, environmental management and public health standards will also continue to increase.
“Whether in tourism, food manufacturing, healthcare, education or agriculture, professional pest management will become increasingly important,” he said when officiating at the Sabah Integrated Pest Management Association (Sipma) 1st Installation Dinner 2026, here, recently.
Mustapha welcomed Sipma’s efforts to promote professionalism, competency and responsible industry practices, describing the association’s collaborative approach with government agencies, universities, local authorities and industry partners as the type of partnership Sabah needs.
He said meaningful progress can only be achieved when the government, industry and academia work together towards common objectives.
Mustapha also praised Sipma’s collaboration with Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), saying research and innovation are essential for industries to remain competitive.
“When industry experience is combined with scientific research, we are able to make better decisions, develop better solutions and strengthen public confidence. I hope this collaboration will continue to grow and become an example for other industries,” he said.
Sipma Chairman Mervin Liew said the association was established four years ago to provide Sabah’s licensed pest management industry with a unified voice.
He said he hoped practical implementation approaches could be explored through continued engagement between the government and industry to balance professional standards with the sustainability of local operators.
