By Karen Bong
KUCHING, Aug 8: Kuching South City Council (MBKS) has warned residents against the illegal dumping of garden, construction and household waste, reminding the public that offenders can face a RM2,000 fine and possible court action if caught.
MBKS Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng said the council continues to discover cases of garden waste and construction debris being dumped indiscriminately along roadsides, public spaces and drainage systems despite repeated warnings.
“We are still finding many illegal garden and construction waste dumping cases. If you are caught, you will be penalised. We have said this many times before, and we do not want people to be punished, especially during challenging economic times,” he said during his ShallWeeTalk live session today.
Wee stressed that residents should not prioritise personal convenience over the well-being of the community, noting that improperly discarded tree branches, grass cuttings and other waste not only create an eyesore but also set a poor example for children and other members of the public.
“As adults, we must have civic responsibility. We should not simply throw things away wherever it is easiest. If garden waste is properly prepared and bagged, collection services are available,” he said.
The mayor said homeowners have a responsibility to manage and maintain vegetation on their own properties rather than disposing of the resulting waste in public areas.
“Do not make your own surroundings look beautiful by turning public spaces and grass verges into dumping grounds. That is wrong and reflects a lack of civic consciousness,” he said.
Wee also reminded residents that the RM2,000 penalty for illegal dumping cannot be waived, adding that enforcement action can be taken when there is sufficient evidence, including CCTV footage or witness statements from neighbours.
“The mayor cannot waive the fine. If CCTV captures the offence or there is evidence from neighbours, the matter can be brought to court,” he said.
Apart from garden and construction waste, Wee expressed concern over the discovery of household rubbish in drains, including used cooking oil bottles and other domestic waste that should have been disposed of through proper waste collection channels.
“How did these items end up in the drains when they are supposed to be thrown into bins? They certainly did not walk there on their own,” he said.
According to Wee, such irresponsible behaviour not only tarnishes the image of Kuching South but also places an unnecessary burden on council workers who must repeatedly clean up after offenders.
“People keep throwing rubbish while MBKS employees have to keep cleaning. Is this fair? This only creates extra work for the council,” he said.
He added that failure to act against offenders would also lead to public criticism of the council, as residents may blame local authorities for cleanliness issues that are in fact caused by irresponsible individuals.
Wee called on residents to work together with the council in maintaining a clean and healthy environment, stressing that civic-mindedness and personal responsibility are essential to preserving the city’s image and quality of life.
“Everyone has a role to play and a responsibility to ensure a clean and healthy environment. This is basic civic responsibility,” he reminded. — DayakDaily
