THE Penang Island City Council (MBPP) is actively intensifying efforts to enhance the enforcement of ‘anti-littering’ measures.
MBPP councillor Quah Boon Lim said the council would take strict action against those found littering and improperly disposing of food, especially in public spaces such as Gurney Bay, Esplanade, Karpal Singh Drive, and various other locations.
“This includes feeding animals such as pigeons, as it could dirty the surroundings. Furthermore, the droppings can create a nuisance and are acidic.
“The council incurs expenses to clean public spaces, like walkways, filled with pigeon droppings.
“This not only poses health risks to humans but also causes damage to public property,” Quah said during a press conference held after the council’s regular meeting today at City Hall.
It is learned that under Section 47(1)(g) of the Street, Drainage, and Building Act 1974, offenders caught littering or improperly disposing of food waste can face fines up to RM250 if found guilty during this anti-littering operation.
On a separate matter, MBPP mayor Datuk A. Rajendran, who was also present during the press conference, urged all parties to support Penang Green Council’s Earth Hour 2024 programme. This initiative aims to raise awareness about the environment and climate change.
The Earth Hour 2024 programme involves a symbolic act of switching off non-essential lights for one hour, on March 23 from 8.30pm to 9.30pm.
“We need to engage the community in such a gesture to make the earth a better place. MBPP will take part in this programme,” Rajendran said.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Muhamad Amir Irsyad Omar