Millions of houseflies have been pestering people in Simpang Ampat, Penang’s mainland.
Fly swatters are carried by almost all of the merchants and food vendors in this area, and flypaper is stocked in every store and marketplace.
People pick up mounds of dead flies on stairwells and hallways every morning, which had likely reached the end of their month-long life cycle.
According to entomologist Assoc Prof Dr Abdul Hafiz Ab Majid, the flies were originating from adjacent open-system poultry farms.
The chilly days with overcast sky and light rain have made the ideal environment for an increase in the number of flies.
Exposed chicken dung is an excellent place for breeding. The exposed manure has more moisture than on dry days, which increases the likelihood that maggots and pupae will develop into adult flies, according to Dr. Abdul Hafiz, president of the Entomological Society of Malaysia and a pest expert at Universiti Sains Malaysia.
Several chicken farms, particularly in Taman Bagan Tambun, are located within a 1-kilometer radius of Simpang Ampat, according to a Google Earth Pro search. It’s less than 300 metres to one farm.
In the last ten years, Penang’s mainland has experienced rapid growth that has converted tiny rural communities into urban areas and residential complexes. But the farms have existed there for many years.
He advised the people of Simpang Ampat to cover their food carefully.
“A fly settling on your food won’t raise the bacteria levels to the point where you become unwell. Nevertheless, cover your meals,” he said, stressing that the elderly and those with weakened immune systems need to exercise particular caution.
In Taman Bagan Tambun, a coffee establishment has posted posters alerting patrons to the presence of flies.
Numerous homeowners surveyed claimed that this fly infestation was the worst they had ever experienced.
“Normally, there would be three fly visits per year, but this is the worst in at least the last ten years.”
The entire area is impacted, according to fruit vendor Loo Seng Huat, 40, of the Tambun Indah wet market. “It started about a week ago.”
Hng Phaik Yan, 45, was selling veggies and other things at the market, and there were flies on them as well.
“People avoid my veggies because they are crawling with flies,” she said.
“There’s a sharp decline in business, not just because fewer people are making purchases, but also because the flies in the area keep neighbours from cooking.”
Assemblyman Goh Choon Aik of Bukit Tambun advised farmers to switch to a closed agricultural method in order to stop flies from reproducing.
Since 2021, the Seberang Prai City Council (MBSP) has given a chicken farm eight compounds and four notifications.
“Our investigations revealed that the farm was not in compliance with the licence requirements,” MBSP stated.
