Litterbugs spoiling our image

A RECENT story about discovering 150 illegal rubbish dumping grounds in Johor is proof that bad habits continue to plague Malaysians when it comes to cleanliness.

Though stories about rubbish strewn on roadsides is often written about in newspapers, this particular piece of bad news further reinforces the fact of our poor civic-mindedness.

Of course, one could point fingers at the relevant authorities for not enforcing its regulations on proper waste disposal.

But the fact of the matter is that all of us have ourselves to blame.

There are still habits that many of us can do without.

For instance, the habit of throwing trash out the window of our cars, or disposing plastic cups and bags in the streets of crowded night markets.

However, the 150 illegal rubbish dumping grounds were probably not the usual piles of rubbish that often follow a carnival held in a field.

These dumping grounds were undoubtedly abandoned plots of land, or an open space near residential or commercial areas.

In short, illegal dumping grounds are convenient spots where people can easily dispose of their trash.

Most of the time, we convince ourselves that no one would find out about our covert acts.

This is the root of the problem.

Also, once rubbish is thrown in a particular area, it encourages more people to throw their trash there.

Thankfully, the authorities in Johor are finally on top of things when it comes to rectifying the problem.

Johor Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management Corporation director Zainal Fitri Ahmad said that a two-day operation had been held recently to clean up the illegal rubbish dumping grounds in Johor Baru.

He said the operation would be conducted at other spots statewide until the problem is eradicated.
Zainal Fitri added that habitually dumping rubbish would adversely affect the image of Malaysians and the country.

"I say this because despite our scheduled collection of domestic waste, people continue to throw rubbish indiscriminately," he said.

His corporation's task is to monitor the collection of solid waste, ensure the concessionaires responsible for rubbish collection adhere to their Key Performance Index (KPI), and provide avenues for lodging complaints on these matters.

Ratepayers and home owners must also be aware that disposing rubbish illegally is an offence under the Solid Waste Management and Public Cleansing Management Act 2007.

Those who are found guilty under this act may be liable to a fine of not less than RM10,000 or not more than RM100,000, be imprisoned for not less than six months or not more than 5 years, or both.

This Act, which is also known as Act 672 came into effect on Sept 1, and marks the privatisation of solid waste management in Peninsular Malaysia.

The Act requires all solid waste collection and urban cleaning services to be under the purview of three concessionaires in three zones.

The waste management at the Central and East Peninsular Zones (Kuala Lumpur Federal Territory, Putrajaya, Pahang, Kelantan and Terengganu excluding Selangor) will be overseen by Alam Flora Sdn Bhd.

The North Peninsular Zone (Kedah and Perlis, excluding Penang and Perak) will be handled by Environment Idaman Sdn Bhd.

Finally, the South Peninsular Zone (Johor, Malacca and Negri Sembilan) will be the responsibility of SWM Environment Sdn Bhd.

However, such a comprehensive law would be of no use if enforcement is lacking.

People need to be educated about garbage disposal and the result of uncleanliness and improper hygiene, let alone the penalty of not doing so.

Children, especially need to be taught about this, habits form early in life.

Otherwise, the authorities are like our servants, who are always cleaning up after us.

Now, what does that say about ourselves?

Source: AHMAD FAIRUZ OTHMAN