SIBU: The Service Centre of Sibu Member of Parliament, Oscar Ling Chai Yew, has recently received multiple complaints from the public regarding the long-standing issue of people feeding pigeons at the Rejang Park Traffic Garden, which has led to a growing pigeon population and caused serious environmental and hygiene problems.
Ling’s special assistant, Irene Wong Lee Ting, suggested that the Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) put up ‘Do Not Feed Pigeons’ signboards in the park as soon as possible.
She said that the Rejang Park Traffic Garden is a popular place where many residents exercise and take walks daily, and it also has playground facilities for children.
The park is especially crowded in the early morning and evening.
“However, pigeon droppings are scattered on the jogging track and other facilities. Once exposed to the sun, the droppings dry up and turn into powder, which can be blown into the air and inhaled by joggers, causing respiratory infections, or irritate the eyes and harm vision,” she said in a press statement on Thursday.
Wong further highlighted that there is a primary school located right next to the park, and the safety and health of students may also be affected by pigeon droppings.
Although pigeons are common birds, she stated their droppings can carry viruses, bacteria, and parasites.
She pointed out that long-term congregation of pigeons not only affects environmental cleanliness but also poses the risk of disease transmission.
In addition, she said, the flocking of pigeons contaminates grass fields, walkways, and facilities, creating further hygiene issues.
As such, Wong urged the public not to feed pigeons in the park and called on the SMC to promptly install visible signboards at the Rejang Park Traffic Garden to remind and regulate the public.
“There is a need for stronger awareness campaigns so that together, the community can maintain a clean, safe, and comfortable public space,” Wong stressed.
