‘Monyet’, ‘gorila’ vest not to shame litterbugs
Published on: Monday, July 15, 2019
By: Lagatah Toyos
TAWAU: The approach in compelling litterbugs to wear vest with the words “monyet” and “gorila” as a form of punishment can be used by local authorities throughout the State.
State Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Jaujan Sambakong (pic) said the government has no qualms in meting out such punishment so as to create public awareness, as it is not shaming anyone.
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“Some local authorities initially received numerous protest for applying the punishment but it eventually proven to be an effective deterrent to litterbugs,” he said, adding that previously litterbugs were fined but they continue to litter even after paying the fine.
“But, when they wear such vests, we see can that awareness on littering are growing and this method is not meant to put anyone to shame,” said Jaujan who agrees to the approach.
Semporna has applied the punishment (vest with the word “monyet”) on litterbugs while Tawau will use vest with the word “gorila” which will be launched during Ops Payung.
On recycled tyres, he said it would be more useful for other industries instead of throwing it into the ocean to be turned into reefs, adding that such method will only pollute the natural marine habitat in the State which is among the most beautiful in the world.
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“Although I am not an expert in the field of science but I know (tyres) can be harmful to our marine habitat because of its chemical content…thus we need to preserve what we have. Don’t destroy what God has blessed us with,” he said.
He said used tyres can be recycled and used for road construction.
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“It is our hope that the leadership will look for new ideas and resources…don’t stick to existing resources as doing so will only cause us to be stagnant while technology is rapidly growing.
“So, we hope relevant government officers will look for new ideas. I am confident on this because Sabahans are knowledgeable. The government is open to new ideas so long as it benefit the State,” he said.
On another development, he urged grass-cutting concessionaires not to throw cut grass into the drains as it will clog up the drains and cause water to be stagnant which in turn becomes a breeding ground for Aedes mosquitoes.
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