MBKS appeals for public tip-off on illegal dumping
We want the people to be our eyes and ears. If they discover any illegal dumping, they should contact us so that we can take action. It is an offence to dump waste in public places under the Local Authorities (Cleanliness) By-Laws 1999.
KUCHING: The Council of Kuching City South ( MBKS) has called on city dwellers to be their ‘eyes and ears’ in maintaining cleanliness and hygiene in the city.
Councillor Bong Lian Huan said any individual who comes across illegal dumping within the jurisdiction of MBKS should tip off the council.
“We want the people to be our eyes and ears. If they discover any illegal dumping, they should contact us so that we can take action. It is an offence to dump waste in public places under the Local Authorities ( Cleanliness) ByLaws 1999,” he told reporters at a gotong-royong campaign here yesterday.
Bong cautioned that any person found guilty of illegal dumping under the council bylaws shall be liable to a fine of
Bong Lian Huan, councillor
RM1,000 for the first offence.
For any subsequent offence, a fine of RM2,000 or an imprisonment of six months or both will be imposed, he said.
He could not provide information on whether any individual had been fined for illegal dumping so far this year.
According to Bong, MBKS is more inclined to educating the public before issuing warning when it comes to eradicating illegal dumping.
“We do not impose the fine right away because MBKS is a people- friendly council. We communicate first and if they refuse to heed advice, we will issue a warning.
“If the warning is ignored, we will impose the fine. A grace period of one week is given after we communicate with them, and they also have one week after the warning is issued before we fine them,” he said.
He said MBKS had been receiving public complaints about illegal dumping despite the council’s appeal to the community not to simply dump the waste.
He pointed out that the council could help the people dispose of any bulky waste.
“We have trucks or rolling bins to help them get rid of bulky garbage. People should not simply dump anywhere they want,” he added.
Those who want to tip off the council or channel their complaints can call MBKS hotline at 082- 238080 or send messages or images to 016- 879 6441 or 016- 870 6441 on WhatsApp.