KUCHING, Jan 30: Local councils must charge those putting up illegal money lender posters and banners for the removal cost or drag them to court as a warning to others.
Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP) Public Complaints Bureau chief Wilfred Yap said numerous complaints had been received from the public concerning this visual pollution, especially in areas under the Padawan Municipal Council (MPP).
“MPP enforcement teams, during their patrols, have regularly been removing money lender posters put up on trees, signboards, lamp poles and public area. Expired advertisement banners and fishtail, as well as other illegal banners, were also removed.
“But the problem persisted and many more need to be removed. Furthermore, illegal money lender posters are against efforts by the government to create a cleaner and greener living environment,” Yap, who is also an MPP councillor, said in a statement today.
He assured that among the matters that would be brought up during the MPP councillors’ meeting would be for violators who put up illegal posters and banners to pay for the removal costs, to prosecute violators to the full extent of the law to serve as deterrence, and for an amendment to relevant laws to increase the penalty for offenders.
Yap also requested MPP enforcement teams to increase the frequency of patrol and inspection of all public roads and housing estates to ensure these eyesores be removed
“SUPP Public Complaints Bureau will continue to highlight and try to resolve issues of public interest affecting the community and is always ready to lend a helping hand to anyone facing problems or who come across problems of public interest but does not know how to deal with it,” he said.
He added that those requiring assistance can contact the bureau at 016-7797688 or 082-246999 or visit SUPP Head Office. — DayakDaily
