KUCHING: Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) needs public assistance to eliminate illegal dumping of waste and littering on streets, roadsides, alleys and other public spaces and private areas within MPP’s jurisdiction.
The chairman Lo Khere Chiang said illegal dumping is the disposal of waste or unwanted materials in unauthorised or undesignated areas.
“Items dumped may include general household refuse, construction and renovation or demolition waste, garden wastes, furniture and appliances.
“Most illegal dumping is done to avoid paying the disposal fees or failure to take the time and effort to dispose of the items properly,” he said after chairing the council meeting at MPP, Kota Padawan yesterday.
He said the common areas for dumping more than five times a year include vacant properties, alleyways, commercial dumpsters and along the roadsides at Jalan Kangkok, Batu Kawa, Kuching City Mall area, MJC, Batu Kawa and Jalan Ensing in Batu Kawa.
“Dumping causes devaluation of property, health hazards and storm water pollution. Dumped items and pollutants that find their way into storm drains cause flooding, clog drains and harm fish, wildlife and plants downstream.
“Hence, the residents and business owners are encouraged to play their roles by reporting illegal dumping activities in their neighbourhoods by following two simple steps,” he said.
One step is to take photos or videos of the culprit’s vehicle registration number or any relevant information on the vehicle such as company address or contact number and send the photos or videos to MPP Hotline Whatapps at 0138025566 or call MPP general line at 082-615566 and the hotline number stated in the council’s future “No Littering” signboards.
He then explained that illegal dumping is an offence under By-law 18(3), the Local Authorities (Cleanliness) By-Laws, 1999 which stipulates that any person found guilty of dumping waste illegally can be fined RM1,000 for the first offence. For the second or subsequent offence, the penalty is a fine of RM2,000 or imprisonment for six months or both.
