Make litterbugs pay full RM500
Published on: Sunday, April 14, 2024
Rubbish strewn all over at Segama Waterfront.
Kota Kinabalu: State Tourism, Culture and Environment Datuk Christina Liew said City Hall (DBKK) should seriously consider imposing a hefty maximum RM500 compound on any litterbug caught red-handed, if the problem is to be adequately addressed.
She said at the moment an offender may be asked to pay a compound not exceeding RM500 under Section 9 of the Anti-Litter By-Laws.
ADVERTISEMENT
“My understanding is that the sum is usually very much below RM500, as little as RM30. This will definitely not act as a deterrent.
The Anti-Litter By-Laws 1984 (Amendment 2005) empowers DBKK to issue compound fines (of up to RM500) and court action against litterbugs.
“Why not seriously consider making a compound fine of RM500 mandatory on the spot to put potential offenders at bay?
“Do execute the power of arrest and drag the litterbugs to court to be convicted of littering and subjected to community work (depending on the type of littering).
ADVERTISEMENT
“Let us learn from Singapore’s penalties for littering offences under its Environmental Public Health Act (EPHA). To my knowledge, the fine for the first offence upon conviction has since been doubled from $1,000 to $2,000. For the second conviction, the fine is up to $4,000,” she said in a statement, Saturday.
Liew was commenting on Kota Kinabalu City Hall’s (DBKK’s) criticism of public apathy after collecting a whopping 200kg of rubbish irresponsibly strewn across public areas of the city during the Hari Raya Aidilfitri holiday.
Christina Liew
ADVERTISEMENT
She called for more rubbish bins in public areas frequented by residents and visitors.
Liew’s Api-Api People’s Service Centre would do its bit to complement DBKK’s anti-littering enforcement efforts.
“The Centre will initiate a cleanliness campaign soon to promote awareness of environmental public health, and to educate people on the importance of living in a clean environment,” she said.
She said schools can also play an effective role by inculcating in their students a sense of responsibility towards maintaining public cleanliness, apart from keeping their school environment clean.
Photos and videos shared by concerned citizens depict a troubling scene of litter strewn across scenic spots.
City Hall’s Solid Waste Management Department’s Collection Unit and Sweeping Units were kept busy removing the litter at the Segama Waterfront.
It has since installed several new rubbish bins at the Segama Waterfront and would effect two enforcement operations known as Ops Payung, at Segama Waterfront and Teluk Likas Public Park.
They would focus on enforcing the 1985 Bylaw (Anti-litter) Amendment 2005, particularly targeting individuals who litter. Offenders will face penalties, including fines and legal action.
In addition to tackling littering, the Ops Payung operation conducted by City Hall’s Enforcement Department has been extended to address other issues affecting public order and cleanliness.
This includes controlling the presence of beggars and illegal peddlers as well as collaborating with the police to maintain public order and manage traffic.
Recent enforcement efforts have resulted in the issuance of five compounds under the 1966 Bylaw (peddlers) against illegal peddlers operating in Teluk Likas Public Park.
One case also involved the confiscation of goods from a peddler at the Segama Waterfront. These actions are aimed at curbing unauthorised commercial activities that can detract from the park’s ambiance and visitor experience.
From January to April this year, City Hall imposed 64 compounds under the Anti-littering Bylaw 1984 Amendment 2005 on litterbugs in Teluk Likas Public Park. An additional 214 compounds were issued in the city centre during the same period.
These penalties serve as a deterrent against littering and emphasise the importance of individual responsibility in maintaining cleanliness.
City Hall highlighted the need for collective effort in addressing the challenge of maintaining cleanliness.
The community is urged to prioritise environmental cleanliness and set a positive example for others.
Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
Daily Express Malaysia
