GEORGE TOWN: Weekends in Penang have drawn in crowds from all over, so are their leftovers at public places.
At popular places such as Esplanade, the entire stretch of garbage bins were overflowing and disposable food containers were strewn all over in various seating platforms, under trees, inside flower pots along walkways and gardens.
Such sights have left an eyesore and poor environment hygiene while Penang Island City Council (MBPP) cleaners try their best to keep up.
A worker said by the time they finished cleaning up an area, another section down the road was filled with garbage.
"When garbage bins are overflowing, we take a longer time to pack and clear it.
"Similarly, garbage such as food packaging like cups, bags and their discarded items are littered into drains leaving us with a lot more work to pick up.
"People just have the habit of taking shortcuts and the easy way out without civic consciousness," added the worker.
To tackle the issue, MBPP formed an anti-littering team to enforce the rules and nab litterers.
So far this year, over 100 compound notices have been issued against those who were caught red-handed.
MBPP Urban Services Department deputy director Mohd Zamzuri Hussain urged all visitors to practise self-responsibility, be considerate and ethical when out in public.
"If you see a bin that is already full, please bring the garbage back or dispose of it at the next emptier bin down the road.
"Please have consideration for our workers who are already tirelessly working from day to night.
"The more we clean up, the more litterers take it for granted and pretend to 'forget' their garbage by walking away without it,” he said.
Mohd Zamzuri appealed to the people to uphold cleanliness in all public areas and treat others with respect by sharing the attractions.
"While it may be the council's job to keep such public areas clean, the people need to buck up on their civilised manners," he said.
