SIBU: With effect from today, litterbugs here will be fined RM500 each.
According to the Chairman of Sibu Municipal Council (SMC), Datuk Tiong Thai King, litterbugs who fail to pay the compound will be charged in court.
“CCTVs will also be used to identify the litterbugs. Their photographs will be published in the newspapers, too.
“Anyone who gives information with supporting concrete evidence on the litterbugs will also be given incentives by SMC and your identity will be kept confidential,” he added.
He said SMC had put up 46 banners at strategic points to remind the public of the fine they would have to pay if they were caught littering.
Tiong added that 24 road signs had also been erected at various road junctions to remind the public not to litter.
“With more stringent punishment and aggressive enforcement, we hope that Sibu will become a more pleasant and cleaner place to live in,” he said.
“Each year, SMC needs to spend about RM15 million on sweeping the streets, collecting rubbish and maintaining the Kemuyang landfill,”he added.
Tiong said littering remained a never ending problem despite the great emphasis that SMC put on the anti litter issue for the past 20 years.
“Various Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and environmental or green programmes have also been initiated by SMC to enhance public civic-consciousness.
“SMC has also encouraged non-governmental organisation (NGOs) and associations to promote cleaning campaigns but so far the public shows poor response,” he told a full council meeting of the SMC here yesterday.
Tiong added that every day, SMC received many public complaints and Councillors’ requests to clean up rubbish.
“A few pieces of litter along the side of the road may not seem a crime, but it is. In view of the adverse effects of littering and the long existing problem, SMC is forced to enforce the anti-littering by-law strictly.
“Whether it is littering or illegal dumping, any improper disposal of trash is against the law,” said Tiong.
