PETALING JAYA: The Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) is taking steps to address the surge in the pigeon population, including a campaign to raise public awareness.
The MBPJ’s initial focus is on educating the public through various channels, including mass media, banners, and educational notices.
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However, this initiative is still in its early stages and faces resistance from pigeon feeders.
When contacted, MBPJ said one of the main reasons for the rapid increase in the bird population is animal lovers feeding pigeons.
While there have been no reported cases of diseases caused by pigeons here, MBPJ emphasised the importance of proactive measures in handling public healthcare, highlighting that “prevention is better than cure”.
To curb the pigeon population, MBPJ plans to enforce existing legal provisions and continue health education initiatives to discourage the public from feeding pigeons.
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It said it has received numerous complaints about pigeons.
These include properties, clothes and vehicles being soiled by their excrement and feathers.
In addition, residents have reported issues such as pigeons perching on their homes, creating unhygienic, odorous and noisy conditions.
Last year, MBPJ received 14 complaints from the public regarding the nuisance caused by pigeons.
As a result, the city council has warned those feeding pigeons in the city to stop doing so or risk being penalised.
According to Deputy Mayor Aznan Hassan, people caught feeding pigeons or other wild birds had been given verbal warnings and notified to stop.
“They may also be fined RM250. We have been placing banners and making announcements online to educate the public,” he said.
Meanwhile, MBPJ has also addressed complaints related to crows by reducing its population via annual crow-shooting campaigns and installing traps, among others.
