Litterbugs given 269 compound notices from July 1 to Oct 22

SIBU: Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) issued a total of 269 compound notices to litterbugs from July 1 to Oct 22.

Council chairman Datuk Tiong Thai King said there were 68 cases of littering in the month of October alone by the 22nd day.

“In general, most of the offenders were from outside Sibu or foreigners with smokers accounting for 25 per cent of offenders,” he said.

Out of the 269 compound notices, 145 had been paid.

“Those yet to settle the compound had better do it soonest or face court action,” he said when chairing a full council meeting yesterday.

“SMC aims to change the habit of littering among the people to create a clean Sibu town to benefit all, rather than to collect fines.

“Every time an offender facing financial difficulties asks for a reduction in amount of fine, it pains me,” he disclosed.

Urging litterbugs to kick the bad habit, Tiong appealed to the public to keep an eye on littering and report it.

He said supermarkets and shops had supported the ‘Say No to Plastic Bags 2.0’ since it was implemented on Oct 1.

The council could extend the campaign to all wet markets.

On the Pasar Malam, he said the stalls would be relocated to the old site at Market Road once the upgrading project at Butterfly Car Park (current Pasar Malam) commence on Nov 1 for 10 weeks.

“The upgrading project is to improve water discharged in the vicinity of the Pasar Malam at Butterfly Car Park and Cross Road.

“The trading lots at Butterfly Car Park would be increased from 176 to 204 once the upgrading is done.”