KOTA KINABALU: A non-governmental organisation (NGO) respects the Semporna local authority’s decision on the use of MONYET vest as part of its trash pick-up punishment.
Trash Hero Borneo co-founder Monica Chin said the punishment with a humorous touch would increase public awareness on cleanliness and educate Semporna community as well as tourists to be responsible.
“While I respect the move, the punishment imposed on offenders must be reasonable.
“In our move to create a litter free environment, we need to knock some sense into these litterbugs. Having said that, everyone needs to change their mentality and be part of the solution,” she said when contacted, today.
Chin was commenting on the requirement for litterbugs to wear neon vests with the word MONYET emblazoned on it while picking up rubbish as part of their community service punishment.
Since the move was highlighted, it has received mixed reactions from netizens, who praised the authority’s efforts and criticised it for shaming people.
Chin lauded the Semporna local authority for its initiative to get litterbugs pay for their indiscriminate garbage dumping by doing rubbish pick-up community service.
“We need to continuously educate our friends and families on the importance of disposing trash properly. Our trash is our responsibility,” she said.
The major move against litterbugs was enforced on Jan 1 by the local authority.
Thus far, the move saw 12 people donning MONYET vests while picking up rubbish in town area as part of their community service punishment.
District officer Bianus Kontong had said litterbugs were given a choice of paying a fine or doing community service for an hour, in which offenders were required to wear the special vest.
Since the move came into force, he said 31 people, including a tourist, were issued compound after they were caught dumping their rubbish indiscriminately.
He added 19 people settled their fine of between RM30 and RM500, while 12 others chose to do community service after failing to pay their compound.