SMC launches ‘Waste Segregation Campaign’

SIBU: Sibu Municipal Council ( SMC) launched its ‘ Waste Segregation Campaign’ yesterday in line with the Local Agenda 21 initiative, and is leading government departments, schools, businesses and non-governmental organisations ( NGOs) in the campaign.

Its chairman Datuk Tiong Thai King said the council spent RM328,776 monthly on refuse collection alone.

“Expenditure for refuse collection from residential and commercial areas has been gradually increasing, and the depleting landfill is the main factor to determine the success (or failure) of sustainable solid waste management in the future,” he told a full council meeting yesterday.

He thus reminded the public to adopt the 3Rs ( Reduce, Reuse and Recycle) concept to make the waste segregation campaign a success.

“For example, NGOs can collaborate with businesses to hold environment- oriented programmes to enhance public awareness.

“Most importantly, education on the environmental movement inclusive of our roles to the environment should be instilled in the children.”

On a similar matter, Tiong said the council would strictly enforce its anti-littering regulations.

“Those found littering shall be compounded RM500. This will help to discourage littering which will create a clean and healthy urban environment,” he said.

On another subject, Tiong said the council would take stern action against commercial poultry rearing at Kampung Bahagia Jaya in Teku and other resettlement schemes under its jurisdiction.

He said they had received numerous complaints on such activities there.

“Those involved are urged to stop the activity as it is a breach of the Temporary Occupational Licence issued by the Land and Survey Department,” he said.