KUCHING: Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) wants everyone, especially the local community, to stop dumping waste on roadsides and other public areas.
“I would like to remind the public to not simply throw rubbish on the roadside. We have enough problems to take care of,” said chairman Lo Khere Chiang.
“We have to get rid of this bad habit. Don’t dump illegally. Don’t aggravate this Covid-19 situation,” he told the press via Zoom on Thursday (July 30).
The common areas for illegal dumping in MPP’s jurisdiction are Jalan Kangkok, Batu Kawa; Kuching City Mall area, Jalan Arang; Jalan Ensing Timur, Batu Kawa and Jalan Khung Phin Ulu.
Illegal dumping is an offence under By-Law 18(3), The Local Authorities (Cleanliness) By-Laws, 1999.
Any person found guilty can be fined RM1,000 for the first offence and, in the case of second or subsequent offence, a further fine of RM2,000 or imprisonment for six months or both.
“I’m trying to reach out to the hearts and minds of the people on the issue of illegal dumping,” he said, adding that this was not the first time he had urged the public not to dump waste illegally.
“During this crucial time (Covid-19 pandemic), the public are reminded to dispose of all waste, especially used face masks, carefully and considerately by ensuring the waste is packed in tied or sealed plastic bags before placing them into garbage bins.”
MPP spent some RM128,000 last year just for clearing waste dumped illegally in areas under its jurisdiction.
