Ipoh City Council workers clearing illegally disposed waste in the city. — Filepic
PERAK government is coming down hard on those dumping waste illegally.
The use of closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras at illegal dumpsites is among the measures taken.
There is also a plan to introduce heavier penalties and community service for the culprits.
State local government committee chairman Sandrea Ng said periodic monitoring and spot checks were being carried out at illegal dumpsite hotspots with CCTVs being used to monitor such areas.
“In an effort to ensure more effective enforcement, the Housing and Local Government Ministry is in the process of amending the Local Government Act 1976 (Act 171) to introduce heavier fines and penalties as well as community service for offenders,” she said in reply to Azman Noh (BN-Pengkalan Baharu) during the Perak State Assembly sitting at Bangunan Perak Darul Ridzuan in Ipoh, yesterday.
Azman had asked about steps taken by the local government to tackle the illegal waste dumping problem.
Stating that the issue was on the rise, Ng added that whenever rubbish was improperly dumped, others would follow suit, turning the area into a new dumpsite.
She also said that the main cause included a lack of proper dumping sites especially in rural areas without local government services.
Ng said lack of awareness and the inconsiderate attitude of people throwing rubbish indiscriminately had caused illegal waste disposal to be accepted.
“In addition, the irresponsible attitude of some industrial and construction operators who dump waste illegally to avoid paying for the service, is also contributing to the problem.”
She said the local government has implemented various efforts to address the issue including collecting rubbish regularly at residential, market and park areas.
This includes bulk waste collection.
The state also raised awareness through events organised under the Local Agenda Programme such as talks, gotong-royong, distribution of pamphlets and recycling campaigns.
“With continuous enforcement, public education, provision of better infrastructure as well as collaboration between the government, private sector and the community, we are committed to address this issue,” she said.
“These measures are not only intended to maintain a clean environment, but to encourage the community to be more responsible in managing waste, in line with development policies based on environmental sustainability,” she added.
