KUCHING: The Kota Samarahan Municipal Council (MPKS) is “at war” with illegal dumping that is occurring in parts of its jurisdiction, said its chairman Datuk Peter Minos.
He said the waste that was dumped by irresponsible quarters are a sight for sore eyes and most “deplorable”.
“The illegally dumped waste is unsightly and becomes a breeding ground for mosquitos, rats, insects and even snakes.
“We are trying very hard to catch the culprits but they are elusive and cunning. If we catch them, we will hit them hard with outright fines – especially repeat offenders.
“They are giving us a bad name and we have every right to fight back,” he said in a statement today (July 21).
Minos said the illegal dumping is occurring in a number of spots in Kota Samarahan including near housing estates.
“Illegal dumpers are worse than those who are throwing their rubbish on roadsides, drains and streams – they are what we call social misfits. We’ll give them a trashing if we do catch them,” he said.
The MPKS chairman said the council already has its work cut out for them including drain cleaning, sweeping the streets, grass cutting, scavenging and desludging.
“Illegal dumpers are a big nuisance that must be stamped out,” he said.
Minos added that the council will conduct strict monitoring so that scavenging contractors will strictly follow their waste collection schedules.
“It should be three times a week for Taman Samarindah, Unigarden, Unicentral, Riveria and Desa Ilmu and two times a week in all other areas,” he said.
He said, anything short of that is inexcusable as it is the duty of the council to keep the area clean.
“It is a matter of policy and in tandem with the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). We need everyone’s help on this.
“Put your waste in the bins as illegal dumping does no favour to anyone,” he said.
