By Karen Bong
KUCHING, May 16: Residents in Kuching South are being warned that they face fines of up to RM1,000 or even imprisonment if caught illegally dumping rubbish, including garden waste, construction debris and renovation materials outside their homes, in backlanes, vacant lots or drains.
Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng said enforcement will be carried out under the Local Government Cleanliness By-Laws 1999, Section 18, which empowers authorities to take action against those who indiscriminately dispose of waste in public areas.
Repeat offenders may face fines of up to RM2,000, a jail term of up to six months, or both.
Wee stressed that irresponsible dumping not only creates an eyesore but also leads to serious environmental problems such as clogged drains and flash floods.
He said garden waste such as grass clippings, branches and tree trunks, as well as household and renovation waste, must not be left outside compounds or thrown into drains, backlanes or any open spaces.
“Dumping waste into drains will definitely cause blockages and contribute to flooding issues. This is irresponsible behaviour that also leads to environmental pollution,” he said during his weekly ShallWeeTalk live session today.
He also reminded the public not to dump waste in neighbours’ areas, empty lots or backlanes, describing such actions as selfish and harmful to the community.
Wee added that enforcement alone is not enough, stressing that public cooperation is essential for effective city management.
“Without the cooperation of residents, we cannot manage the city properly. We need everyone to work together to keep Kuching South clean and well-managed,” he said.
At the same time, he urged residents to properly bundle garden waste and dispose of it through designated waste collection services.
“Such materials can be collected if prepared correctly and disposed of on scheduled collection days by Trienekens,” he added. — DayakDaily
