LIPIS: The Pahang government has expressed disappointment over some road users who have been littering along the Central Spine Road (LTU) and damaging facilities at temporary rest and service (R&R) areas.
Pahang Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail said the temporary R&R facilities were set up to provide comfort to road users during the festive season, following complaints from travellers who struggled to pray and use toilets due to the lack of such facilities.
"Some have carried out vandalism and littering. This damages the facilities and incurs repair costs, which ultimately come from taxpayers' money," he said.
"Government funds are the people's money. While the issue is minimal, we should still avoid it. These facilities are meant to prevent accidents and offer rest, prayer and toilet facilities," he told the media during the Jelai state constituency Aidilfitri open house at Laman Sejahtera Jelai, Sungai Koyan here on Saturday (April 5).
Wan Rosdy said the state government would focus on educating the public, especially road users, to better appreciate the facilities provided and ensure waste is disposed of in the bins provided.
"Changing habits can be difficult. Some continue to litter despite the bins at R&R areas… we will run campaigns to address it," he said.
In conjunction with Aidilfitri, the state government constructed four temporary R&R stops with an allocation of RM2.5mi – two in Bentong and one each in Raub and Lipis.
He added that the state plans to build permanent R&R stations at these locations but is open to suggestions for better locations.
"We will review the construction of permanent R&R stations, as the current ones are temporary. These meet immediate needs, but permanent ones are planned," he said. – Bernama
