USM PENANG, 17 July 2025 – Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) successfully hosted the Urban Pest Management Refresher Course 2025 at the School of Biological Sciences (SBS), bringing together top experts and field biologists for a knowledge-packed training day.

The one-day course, jointly organised by the Entomology and Parasitology (EP) Programme at SBS USM and ENVU Malaysia, aimed to strengthen foundational knowledge of urban pest control while introducing current field practices, fostering industry-academic collaboration, and equipping participants with hands-on experience.

All attendees were seasoned field biologists from Rentokil Initial Malaysia, actively engaged in pest control operations across the country.

The course served as a professional refresher to keep their skills aligned with evolving industry standards and pest behaviour patterns.

The event commenced with a keynote address by Programme Chairman, Prof. Ts. Dr. Abdul Hafiz Ab Majid, followed by a welcome speech from the Deputy Dean of SBS, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ahmad Ramli Mohd Yahya.

Additional industry perspectives were shared by the Regional Technical Director of Rentokil Initial Malaysia, Juliana Soo; and the Managing Director of ENVU Malaysia and Export Countries, Lee Teck Peng.

The morning theory session featured expert presentations on six major urban pests found in Malaysia:

• Cockroaches – Assoc. Prof. Ts. Dr. Wan Fatma Zuharah;
• Bedbugs and Ants – Prof. Ts. Dr. Abdul Hafiz Ab Majid;
• Flies – Dr. Hadura Abu Hasan;
• Stored Product Insects (SPI) – Assoc. Prof. Dr. Suhaila Ab Hamid; and
• Mosquitoes – Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nur Faeza Abu Kassim.
  

A highlight of the day included a special presentation by the Head of the Centre of Excellence for Mosquito Management at ENVU Global HQ, Dr. Lim Su Yee, offering invaluable global insights into mosquito control strategies.

Afternoon sessions transitioned to Laboratories 100 and 200 for guided practical exercises.

Participants applied advanced inspection and treatment techniques across a variety of pest categories, with live feedback provided by expert trainers.

Activities included:

• Species identification and insecticide application for cockroaches;
• Chemical handling and residual bioassays for bedbugs and ants;
• Pest resistance testing for SPI; and
• Life cycle assessments and species differentiation for flies and mosquitoes. 

The course concluded with a closing ceremony and certificate presentations by Abdul Hafiz.

Sincere thanks are extended to ENVU Malaysia for sponsoring the programme, to USM for its generous hosting, and to the Rentokil field biologists for their enduring commitment to raising standards in professional pest management.

Source Text & Photos: Entomology and Parasitology (EP) Programme at SBS, USM/ Editing: Nur Athirah Md Salleh, Industrial Training Student at MPRC, USM