SIBU: Longhouse residents are urged to be the eyes and ears of the government in monitoring any irresponsible activities in their areas.
Sibu Rural District Council (SRDC) chairman, Sempurai Petrus Ngelai said the role of the community is essential in ensuring that the cleanliness and safety of the council area is always maintained.
“The attitude of throwing garbage carelessly still occurs and this action not only pollutes the environment but can also invite various dangers.
“Don’t just look. Take pictures, take videos and report it to the council. This helps us take quick action against those who are irresponsible,” he said at the meet-the people session held at Rumah Frederick Elizabeth, Batang Igan here recently.
Sempurai explained that although garbage collection is the job of the SRDC, it is carried out according to a schedule.
Reports from residents, he explained, will enable enforcement action to be taken more effectively.
He added that the offence of illegally dumping garbage can be subject to action under the Cleanliness By-Laws with a fine of up to RM2,000.
During the event, Sempurai also informed that the SRDC has 27 zones and 32 council members to facilitate monitoring and speed up the process of receiving complaints.
“The zones were created so that complaints can go through the right channels, be more systematic and follow-up action can be taken immediately,” he added.
Meanwhile, he also called on residents to maintain cleanliness in the longhouse area, control mosquito breeding and pay attention to the rabies issue.
He said the council has received many complaints regarding stray dogs found in the west bank area.
“Actually, they are pets that are left to roam and mix with stray dogs that are at risk of carrying rabies. I hope that those who have dogs should confine them for safety and also vaccinate their dogs through the campaigns that we often undertaken.
“Apart from dogs, cats are also carriers of rabies. So take advantage of the campaigns that are held because it is free,” Sempurai explained.
Also present were Sarawak United People’s Party (SUPP Bawang Assah Branch chairman Cr Kevin Lau, Sibu Deputy District police chief Superintendent Boniface Bajai, Bawang Assan Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) Youth chief Cr Johnny Sain, Temenggong Stanley Gramong, Pemanca Paing Tawi, Penghulu Dennis Ansam, SRDC secretary Ng Siang Wei and Tuai Rumah Frederick Elizabeth.
