MUKAH – A specialised emergency response team from the Malaysian Civil Defence Force (APM) in the Mukah district was activated on Monday, 30 March 2026, following reports of a significant biological hazard discovered in a residential or industrial area.
The operations control centre, PKOD Mukah, initiated the mission after receiving a distress call from a member of the public.
The informant alerted authorities to the presence of a particularly large and aggressive wasp colony that had established a stronghold within a collection of discarded iron.
Upon arriving at the scene, the APM Mukah personnel conducted a reconnaissance of the site. They discovered a wasp nest of substantial proportions, which they described as being comparable in size to a car tyre.
Such a large structure indicates a long-standing colony with a significant population of wasps, posing a severe stinging threat to anyone in the immediate vicinity.
The location of the nest within a pile of iron added a layer of complexity to the removal process. Metallic structures can often provide numerous crevices for insects to hide, making total eradication difficult.
Furthermore, the jagged nature of scrap metal can pose a physical tripping or cutting hazard for responders wearing heavy protective equipment.
To eliminate the threat effectively, the APM team employed a tactical combination of chemical intervention and thermal destruction.
This involved the application of Ridsect aerosol spray to rapidly incapacitate the flying insects, followed by the use of fire techniques to ensure the physical nest and any remaining larvae were completely incinerated.
The use of fire in these operations is a controlled measure intended to prevent the colony from relocating or rebuilding in the same spot. Once the flames had done their work and the area was cooled, the site was declared safe for the public.
This successful operation underscores the diverse nature of the Civil Defence Force’s responsibilities. Beyond disaster relief and medical transport, the APM is a vital resource for the management of hazardous pests that can cause anaphylactic shock or severe injury to local residents.
Authorities continue to urge the public not to attempt the removal of large wasp or hornet nests independently. Without the proper training and protective gear, such actions can lead to multiple stings and potentially life-threatening reactions.
For residents in Mukah facing similar emergencies, whether they involve dangerous wildlife, fallen trees, or sudden illnesses, the APM Mukah hotline remains open and operational throughout the day and night. For immediate assistance, the public should contact the 24-hour emergency number at 084-872814.
