SARIKEI – The Malaysian Civil Defence Force (APM) in Sarikei successfully carried out an operation to eliminate a hornet nest at Jalan Rentap 2B on Thursday evening, following concerns raised by a local resident.
The Sarikei District Operations Control Centre (PKOD) received a distress call at 11.38pm from Mr Abdul Razak, who reported the presence of a large nest in the parking area of his home. He expressed fears for the safety of his family, prompting immediate deployment of the Alpha Squad team.
Upon arrival, officers assessed the situation and discovered a nest roughly the size of a football. The team proceeded with a controlled extermination using insecticide spray, ensuring strict safety measures were in place throughout the operation. The procedure concluded at 9.16pm without incident, and the squad returned to base shortly afterwards.
This incident highlights the ongoing challenges posed by hornet infestations in Sarawak. Similar operations have been conducted across the state in recent years, including in Sibu and Miri, where nests of considerable size were removed by APM personnel to safeguard communities.
In one case, a nest near a school in Lutong required half an hour of careful handling due to its scale, while another in Sibu was destroyed after residents alerted authorities to the danger.
Hornets, known locally as tabuan, are considered highly aggressive and pose significant risks to humans. Their stings can cause severe allergic reactions, making them a public safety concern. Authorities have repeatedly urged residents not to attempt removal themselves, as improper handling could lead to serious injury.
The Sarikei Civil Defence Force reiterated this advice following the latest operation, stressing that professional intervention is the safest course of action.
“Members of the public should immediately contact the relevant agencies if they encounter nests of poisonous insects,” an officer explained, adding that swift reporting helps prevent accidents.
Community awareness has become a crucial element in managing such threats. Local authorities continue to encourage vigilance, reminding residents that early reporting ensures rapid response and minimises risks.
The successful neutralisation of the Jalan Rentap nest underscores the importance of coordinated emergency action and highlights the role of APM in protecting neighbourhoods across Sarawak.
