Council mulls strict enforcement to curb littering
SIBU: Despite Sibu Municipal Council’s efforts to clamp down on littering, the bad habit has apparently remained entrenched in many people, council chairman Datuk Tiong Thai King lamented.
He said such behaviour may compel his council to enforce the anti-littering by-laws strictly.
“The compound fine is RM500 with effect from July 1.
“Littering says a lot about your personality,” he said when chairing the council’s monthly meeting yesterday.
He noted: “Those who throw items around do not have any sense of ownership, and have the belief that others will pick up the unwanted items for them and that littering is tolerated and is convenient regardless of anywhere and anytime.”
Tiong pointed out the council had initiated plenty of environmental or green programmes to enhance public civic- consciousness such as the anti-littering campaign but despite all that, littering has continued.
He urged schools to organise more activities in line with the anti-littering campaign such as poster designing and a `little warden’ programme within the school’s compound to create awareness on antilittering.
He also reminded operators of supermarkets and retail stores to strictly implement the `No Plastic Bag’ policy in their daily operation.
“Members of the public can also change their habit by using paper bags, biodegradable carriers or carry their own shopping bags – all to help reduce littering,” he added.
On another matter, Tiong said front-liners in the tourism sector such as hoteliers and eatery operators should apply strategies to demonstrate and implement solutions to strengthen effective customer relationships.
He said they ought to keep a clean, safe and properly sanitised environment as well as offer warm hospitality in order to achieve customer satisfaction and maintain long-term success in their businesses.
He said they should also demonstrate the use of safe food handling by using clean aprons, gloves and headwear during food preparation.
“All hotel operators are also urged to enhance proper housekeeping practices,” he advised.
Meanwhile, during the meeting, Tiong presented premium savings certificates and certificates of appreciation to four council staff members who were retiring.