KUCHING, July 9: A roll-on roll-off (RoRo) container located at Lorong Sim Kheng Hong 5 was found to have caught fire recently in an apparent act of vandalism.
The dumpster fire was first spotted by one of the area’s residents who promptly alerted the authorities.
Subsequent investigations conducted by the Kuching South City Council (MBKS) and Trienekens (Sarawak) Sdn Bhd revealed that the fire was an act of vandalism.
Following the incident, MBKS Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng reminded city dwellers that acts of vandalism such as arson does not only affect the surrounding environment but was also costly to the council and very dangerous to the public.
“Public amenities, such as the placement of waste containers, are provided for the well-being and benefit of the community.
“Keeping these facilities working and efficient is a concerted effort so it is disappointing that they are vandalised in such a way. Civic mindedness is important and we should work together to ensure that all our public facilities are kept safe and in good order. If residents witness any such vandalism in their areas, they should immediately take a photo of the act and report it to the authorities,” he said in a statement today.
The RoRo containers, like other public properties, have become easy targets for vandalism in Kuching city. Over the past years, Trienekens has experienced many similar incidents which had occurred at several housing and commercial areas.
Trienekens Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Stephen Chin called for public cooperation to take proper care of the waste bins provided in their areas and to be responsible when disposing of waste into the bins.
“The waste containers are being placed at certain locations to help the nearby residents and business owners to dispose of their waste,” said Chin.
“Unfortunately, there are incidences of the bins being set of fire on purpose and this is a big concern for us. Such actions are very dangerous to the public and could have caused harm to passers-by or nearby residents.
“We would like to urge the public to take extra care of the communal wheel bins or RoRo containers provided for them. If possible, avoid throwing ignitable items such as lighters or cigarette butts that have not been fully put out into the bins as these can easily causes fire or explosions, especially on dry days and when the bin contains flammable waste,” he stressed.
Members of the public can contact Trienekens (082-612300) or MBKS (082-238080) to enquire or report any waste management issues in their areas. — DayakDaily
