Beware! Those caught for illegal dumping will face stern action
KUCHING: Kuching South City Council ( MBKS) will not hesitate to take stern action against those caught dumping waste illegally, an activity which cost the council RM127,534 last year on tipping fees just to clear areas using its own manpower.
Councillor Mohammad Taufik Abdul Ghani said the council would install close- circuit televisions ( CCTVs) at hotspots as well as to intensify enforcement and patrols to catch the culprits.
He encouraged the public who come across people dumping rubbish illegally to take photos and report to the authorities, be it the council or the police.
“This has become quite a serious issue. Everyone must take ownership of Kuching. It is everyone’s moral duty to report so the authorities can take action. Kuching is like our house. How do you feel if people throw rubbish into your house?
“We will take action on complaints, as a dumpsite is not only an eyesore, but it is smelly and a mosquitobreeding grounds,” he told a press conference at his office here after a meeting with Trienekens (Sarawak) Sdn Bhd yesterday.
Mohamad Taufik noted that most of the illegal dumping hotspots were at remote roads with little housing around them, adding that through research by MBKS as well as Trienekens, it was found that most illegal dumping were done by small-time contractors.
“Renovation and construction wastes are mostly thrown by small-time contractors. They can actually hire bins from Trienekens and put them at the construction sites, instead of just dumping their waste by the roadsides or on empty land.
“Households tend to throw away old cabinets, old mattresses and so on. The council does provide service to collect bulk waste at a small fee. The council also provides free bulk waste bins during festive seasons,” he added
He also said that commercial places like coffeeshops had a role to keep their areas clean instead of letting their bins spill over and cause rubbish to pile behind their shops. He advised them to apply for additional (waste) collection to prevent spillage.
Meanwhile, Trienekens Logistics and Services senior manager Sarius Lee said it was very difficult to stop illegal dumping at a certain location after it had occurred and if not addressed properly, it would attract more dumping.
“There is a need to change the people’s mentality. Those planning to dispose waste must call for services from either the council or Trienekens.
“We urge the public to cooperate with us to keep Kuching clean,” he said.
Those who are doing renovation or construction works can rent a RoRo container from Trienekens by calling them at 082- 612300. Various sizes are available and Trienekens will assist in ascertaining the best service solution.
Those with smaller amount of waste can contact MBKS Solid Waste Unit at 082-354269 to arrange for waste collection, with the fee depending on the volume of waste. A lorry load is RM100.
Illegal dumping is an offence under Natural Resources Environment Board Ordinance and punishable by law. Anyone found guilty of dumping waste illegally can be charged with the maximum penalty of RM20,000.
The public can report illegal dumping by calling MBKS Hotline at 082-238080 or Trienekens at 082- 612300.