MPP calls upon communities to stop illegal dumping of waste

KUICHING: Communities in areas under the jurisdiction of Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) are reminded against dumping their waste indiscriminately.

Batu Kitang assemblyman Lo Khere Chiang, who is also MPP chairman, said despite efforts to eliminate this poor practice, the council is still receiving tonnes of complaints from the public regarding this problem.

He stressed that this is a serious issue as it is a form of pollution, one that diminishes significantly the use, enjoyment and value of public places for local residents and visitors.

Health-wise, he said illegal dumping of waste could also trigger the spread of diseases carried by pests – harming humans, as well as wildlife and livestock animals in the process.

“The issue of illegal wastedumping is not just within the MPP areas – it is a statewide issue.

“It is so unfortunate that our streets, our waterways like drains, rivers and stream, as well as our parks and forests are subjected to pollution every day, due to littering and illegal dumping of waste.

“Plastic bags and bottles, cigarette butts, hazardous materials and other waste items are discarded irresponsibly,” he told reporters after chairing MPP full council meeting recently.

Lo stressed that it was important for the community to eliminate the illegal dumping practice because it could help local authorities and the state save hundreds of thousands of ringgit associated with the clean-up.

He said MPP had warned the public that illegal dumping of waste is an offence under the Local Authorities ( Cleanliness) By-Laws 1999, where those found guilty could face a RM1,000 fine for the first offence; for subsequent offence, a fine of RM2,000 fine or six months in prison, or both.

Lo said it is difficult to prosecute the culprits, ‘because there are no witnesses’.