CM backs move to shame litterbugs in Malacca

MALACCA: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Idris Haron has thrown his support behind the city council’s proposal to shame litterbugs in Malacca, suggesting that repeat offenders should perhaps be made to do community work.

The “harsh” penalties were needed to maintain Malacca’s position as a major tourist destination, he said.

Apart from the idea of having a “hall of shame” displaying details of the offenders, The Star reported yesterday that the Malacca Historic City Council was seeking to make offenders walk around with placards saying “Don’t Mess With Malacca” for about 10 minutes.

At present, litterbugs face a RM500 fine, but under the proposals, which are slated to be discussed at the city council’s meeting next month, repeat offenders would be compounded a maximum of RM2,000.

Idris said the state authorities wanted to act against those who were ill-disciplined and kept dirtying the place.

He said he had asked the city council to rope in non-governmental organisations, tourism and hotel associations and other relevant parties for their input and ideas in drafting an “airtight” by-law that could be enforced against litterbugs.

“The feedback from stakeholders are crucial as the local council alone can’t execute the job of maintaining a high-level of cleanliness,” he said.

As for the proposal for repeat offenders to wear the placard, he said it was meant as a lesson to them.

“It is not our intention to insult anyone,” he said, adding however, that Malacca could not allow its popular spots to be marred with piles of rubbish.

“If the proposal for the placard over the neck is adopted, it will be an effective way to tell others that Malacca is serious about the situation.

“Let us look ahead. Malacca is getting an overwhelming volume of tourists,” he said, adding that it was thus crucial for the place to be clean.

Idris said he had received many reports about garbage thrown about everywhere especially during peak travel period.

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