CLOTHES, plastic bags filled with rubbish, piles of construction debris, including wood and metal, are seen at every corner and cul de sac of many residential areas in Ipoh.
Heaps of garbage can also be seen in the backlanes of houses and shoplots.
Acting on tip-offs, Actionline makes its rounds in such areas. In First Garden, a motorcyclist is seen passing by an illegal dumpsite and throwing rubbish. These litterbugs are committing illegal acts in broad daylight.
Littering is a recurring problem that raises serious public health concerns which affect the environment, despite gotong-royong and awareness campaigns organised by the Ipoh City Council (MBI).
Old tyres strewn at these illegal dumpsites are perfect breeding grounds for mosquitoes. These places attract insects, rodents, stray dogs and vermins.
Residential areas, such as First Garden, Teluk Kurin, Buntong, Kampung Seri Klebang and Taman Chepor Indah, have been plagued with these problems for years.
OOI of First Garden says illegal dumpsites have become a common sight.
“It has been more than a year, but the problem continues. Some of the residents here have complained to MBI and it is very efficient in clearing the rubbish, but as soon as the workers leave, irresponsible people will come with more rubbish.
“All it takes is one person to throw rubbish there and others will follow. MBI should put up a ‘Dilarang Membuang Sampah’ (No Littering) sign here,” laments the housewife.
A Teluk Kurin resident, LONG , blames the problem on his neighbours.
“Yes, MBI should take action by issuing compounds and the people must change their attitude. They lack awareness.
“We were so happy when our city was ranked the sixth most attractive destination in Asia by Lonely Planet, but don’t we feel ashamed if tourists see what the real image is?” says the 54-year-old businessman.
A shop owner says the lane behind his shop in Taman Chepor Indah is filled with rubbish, such as old tyres, thrown by a workshop owner.
“Sometimes, I see old tyres strewn in front of the shops, but most of the time, they are thrown in the back lane.
“We have been told to throw rubbish in the bins.Iwonder why these people throw them on the road.”
ACTIONLINE: Ipoh Mayor Datuk Zamri Man said despite ongoing cleaning exercises, the problem persists due to the lackadaisical attitude of some residents.
“Last year, we cleared 14,758 illegal garbage dumpsites all over Ipoh. We have issued 554 compounds totalling RM76,390 to those caught throwing rubbish at illegal dumpsites in the city.
“Litterbugs will be slapped with a compound of between RM250 and RM500 under the council’s by-laws.
“We have also erected 756 ‘No Littering’ signs all over the city,” he said, advising litterbugs to use the bins provided.
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