Keep clean: Local councils have begun aggressively issuing compound notices to those caught littering.
JOHOR BARU: Compound notices exceeding RM85,000 were issued to litterbugs in Johor within the first two months of this year, says Datuk Mohd Jafni Md Shukor.
The state housing and local government committee chairman said all 16 local councils in Johor have been proactive in addressing the issue of littering.
“Under the Johor Bersih agenda, which was introduced by Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi some two years ago, the state government, through local councils, wants the people to stop littering,” he said when contacted.
Mohd Jafni said this is by empowering local councils, in particular in Greater Johor Baru – comprising Johor Baru City Council (MBJB), Iskandar Puteri City Council (MBIP), Pasir Gudang City Council (MBPG) and Kulai Municipal Council (MPKu).
“Their enforcement personnel can issue compound notices on the spot to those caught littering, including smokers who throw cigarette butts,” he said.
Mohd Jafni said in January this year, local councils had issued 190 compound notices amounting to RM35,080.
“All local councils have been aggressive in our campaign against littering. In February, 379 compound notices were issued, amounting to RM50,870,” he said.
Mohd Jafni advised those travelling back to their hometowns for Hari Raya Aidilfitri to refrain from littering, especially along major roads in the state.
On Saturday, it was reported that the Housing and Local Government Ministry had ordered local councils to be strict in their enforcement against litterbugs and refrain from granting any discounts on fines.
“I have instructed all 155 local councils to levy fines on individuals caught littering in public areas, with no exceptions for discounts,” said its minister Nga Kor Ming, reported Bernama.
Nga’s statement came after social media was flooded with pictures showing piles of rubbish scattered on the side of the road near the Pahang-Kelantan border, presumably tossed by motorists.
