‘MONYET’ VEST ON LITTERBUGS EXTREME, SAYS SABAH DCM
Use of vest to punish Semporna litterbugs is degrading, says Jaujan
THE Semporna authorities’ decision to punish litterbugs by making them wear a vest with the word “MONYET” (monkey) printed on it is extreme, said Sabah Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Jaujan Sambakong.
Jaujan, who is state housing and local government minister, asked which regulation allowed the word “MONYET” to be used on the vest.
“I understand that litterbugs can be sentenced to pick up trash as part of community service. However, I cannot comprehend the need to use such vests. Isn’t this extreme?
“We know this is a drastic measure to deal with the garbage problem in the district, but the use of the ‘MONYET’ vest is unacceptable,” he said yesterday.
He said although the goal of the punishment was good, the use of the vest was degrading.
Jaujan praised the approach taken by Kota Kinabalu City Hall in ensuring Kampung Sembulan remained clean.
“I see that (Kampung) Sembulan is no longer as dirty as in previous years.
“Maybe a similar approach can be implemented (in Semporna).”
On Jan 10, it was reported that 12 individuals were sentenced to pick up trash for one hour, but they were required to wear vests bearing the word “MONYET”.
The punishment received mix reactions, with some criticising the move and questioning the need to shame litterbugs and likening them to an animal.