Rentokil Initial Malaysia Celebrates Pest Control Heritage with a Twist of Fun!

Petaling Jaya, 4 September 2014 – A recent global insect-eating phenomena has arrived in Malaysia! Rentokil Initial expands the ‘insect-horizon’ by serving an array of exotic local flavoured cuisine such as Locust Satay, Roasted Cricket/ Mealworm Kacang Putih, Kuih Lapis served with Crickets and Yam Cake served with Mealworms here at the 2014 ASEAN Pest Summit today. Alongside with Rentokil’s exquisite menu, served also a range of assorted flavoured crickets and mealworms prepared specially by Urban Entomology Lab (Universiti Sains Malaysia), to complement Professor Lee Chow Yang’s topic on “Why not eat insects?” at the conference.

Set to be one of the largest gatherings of Pest Manager's community in the ASEAN region, this event highlights the importance of regional partnership between various Pest Management Associations. It also showcases ASEAN's common interests in collaboration with the responsibility to impact change in the pest management industry. This year’s exciting theme focuses on: Sustainable Pest management in a Borderless Globalised World.

Being a global market leader, Rentokil Initial leverages on its extensive pest knowledge and expertise, bringing edible insects from the UK to this occasion that allows approximately 700 conference attendees the chance to get a taste of insect-eating.

Rentokil’s Global Pestaurant that took place in 11 countries on 4 June 2014, served a range of edible insects to the public for free, and a number of Rentokil experts were present to answer any common pest-related questions from members of the public and pass on their ‘top tips’ for avoiding pest problems at home or workplace. Rentokil Initial aims to raise pest awareness, build general knowledge of common pest problems as well as to celebrate the hard work that goes into keeping pests under control through a creative idea of Pestaurant. This bizarre occasion also celebrates Rentokil Initial’s 85 years heritage in professional pest control services.

According to the UN's Food & Agriculture Organisation, edible insects may not be appealing to all palates, but some are nutritional food source that is rich in protein, calcium, zinc, iron and are low in fat. For example, common house crickets contain four times as much protein as the same weight of chicken. However, some insects have been known to trigger reactions among those who are allergic to shellfish and crustaceans, therefore people with such an allergy are not encouraged to try them.

“Pestaurant is a gimmicky idea not to promote insect eating but rather to educate and raise awareness of common pest issues amongst the public. As for today, delegates will gather at Pestaurant to honour all pest experts who have worked hard to keep pests at bay.” says Carol Lam, Managing Director Rentokil Initial Malaysia during the event. She continues: “Our experts at Rentokil deal with millions of pests for people all around the world daily. Insects such as crickets and grasshoppers may not be a serious pest issue in ASEAN countries, but it can be severe in other parts of the world.”

Pestaurant received an overwhelming response during the 2014 ASEAN Pest Summit here as enthusiasts grasp their opportunity to ‘bite back at bugs’.