Imagine a lorry carrying fresh vegetables being turned back at the border because it was infested with pests. According to The Star, Malaysian authorities recently ordered a truck loaded with pest-infested vegetables from Singapore to Malaysia to return after discovering insect contamination in the shipment. It was an offence under Section 14(a) of the Maqis Act 2011 to import such products, and if convicted, offenders could face a fine of up to RM100,000, imprisonment for up to six years, or both.

This isn’t just a dramatic headline, but it shows the very real risks pests bring to global trade. When pests infest containers, they can cause serious problems: damaged goods, shipping delays, extra costs, and even regulatory issues.

From insects slipping in through vents to infestations spreading during transit, the consequences go deeper than you might think. Pests such as beetles, ants, stored products insects, termites, and many others can chew through packaging, contaminate food, and damage fabrics, leaving goods unsellable.

The impact of a pest-infested shipment can be severe:

Financial losses: Businesses may need to dispose of contaminated stock, issue refunds, or manage costly returns.
Reputational damage: Customers who received infested goods will lose trust in the brand, affecting loyalty and future sales.
Operational disruptions: Quarantines, emergency pest treatments, and shipment delays will cause business disruptions and hefty mitigation costs.

What is Rentokil Container Protection Program and how does it work?

The Rentokil Container Protection Program (RCPP) is a proactive solution designed to keep shipping containers safe from loading to arrival. It safeguards goods at every stage of the journey, helping businesses avoid damage, delays, and compliance issues.

The image above demonstrates the application of floor tape (top left), frame and door tape (top right), and a Dragnet (bottom left), alongside a specialist conducting a thorough inspection (bottom right).

Step 1:
Rentokil specialists first inspect both the internal and external of the container. This includes checking the condition of the container structure, ensuring that proofing devices like vents and gaps are properly fitted, and identifying any potential entry points for pests.

Step 2:
A visual inspection is also done on the surface of the goods to identify any early signs of pest activity, such as droppings, damage, or live insects. This step helps ensure potential issues are identified early before shipment.

Step 3:
Once the inspection is completed, three core components of RCPP will be installed.

Three core components of RCPP:

Floor tape: Placed along any floor gaps to block insect entry through the base and doorway areas.

Frame and Door Tape: Applied around the container frame and doors, this tape seals small gaps where insects could enter. Its adhesive surface blocks and traps crawling pests, adding protection and simple monitoring during transit.

Dragnet: A protective mesh is installed over container vents to keep airflow while blocking insects from entering. Its adhesive surface traps pests on contact, offering both protection and basic monitoring during transit.

Step 4:
When the cargo arrives, Rentokil specialists carry out a thorough inspection to check for any signs of pest activity. After that, all core components of RCPP are carefully removed. A detailed report is then provided by Rentokil’s expert field biologists with findings and recommendations, ensuring shipments remain safe, compliant, and traceable throughout the entire journey. Want to see how our experts carry out the full RCPP process? Click here to watch the video.

The Rentokil Container Protection Program offers comprehensive pest protection and valuable insights throughout your entire shipping process — backed by over 100 years of global pest management experience.

You’ll also benefit from:

Audit and compliance support – Expertise in domestic and international standards, including internal and external audit requirements for food-related industries.
Comprehensive reporting – Detailed reports upon arrival with findings, recommendations, and compliance updates.
Dedicated account ownership – A single point of contact ensures consistent service across all your sites.
Nationwide coverage – With 10 branches across Malaysia, our local experts are ready to support your operations.
Global expertise – Access to highly qualified and certified local teams in over 90 countries worldwide, ensuring consistent service quality and compliance wherever you operate.

If you are…

An exporter or importer in food, agriculture, or pharmaceuticals.
In retail, e-commerce, textiles, or furniture.
A logistics provider, freight forwarder, or shipping company responsible for ensuring cargo safety and smooth delivery.
A small, medium, or large business engaged in international trade, where every shipment counts.

Then, Rentokil Container Protection Program (RCPP) gives you added assurance that your shipments are protected from pests at every stage of the journey.

Interested in Rentokil Container Protection Program (RCPP)?

Don’t wait until pests ruin your shipments! Click here and contact our expert team today.

This content is provided by Rentokil Initial Malaysia

The views expressed here are those of the author/contributor and do not necessarily represent the views of Malaysiakini.

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