KUCHING: The public plays a vital role in maintaining the cleanliness of the Desa Wira Recycling Centre as well, instead of pushing the responsibility to the local council.
The Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) was responding to George Lam, special assistant to MP for Bandar Kuching Kelvin Yii on the Desa Wira Recycling Centre issue which was published in the media on Tuesday (Jan 10).
The council stressed that the purpose of building the recycling centre is to provide a venue for the public to sort the recyclable items properly and enhance awareness among the residents in the area.
“Unfortunately, the recycling centre has been vandalised by irresponsible persons. The general public has the responsibility to utilise the facility with care as well as to maintain the cleanliness of the centre. It is not the council’s responsibility alone,” MPP said in a statement.
The council was disappointed that some people have been disposing of perishable food items like leftover meat and vegetables in the vicinity of the recycling centre as well as in the recycling bins.
“These actions have led to bad odour and created an uncomfortable environment to the nearby residents.”
MPP urged the public to practise the highest degree of civic consciousness by keeping the recycling centre in clean condition.
“The public must only discard recyclable items such as plastics, glass, and paper into the bins in a proper way.
“The council would not hesitate to take legal action against anyone caught disposing of refuse or other non-recyclable items improperly or by dumping them at the centre,” MPP said.
In a related issue, MPP said that last year it spent more than RM30,000 to conduct clearing works at illegal dump sites.
It said the public must appreciate the efforts put in by the council in ensuring a clean and healthy municipality.
“The council will continue to make every possible effort to resolve the problems of vandalism and illegal dumping.
“MPP would like to appeal to the local communities to intensify their awareness on cleanliness and a healthy environment as they play a vital role in maintaining a healthy city for our future generations,” it said.
