Street ads in demand to promote products

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CAN’T BE MISSED: An overhead bridge displays a street ad.

Datuk James Chan

KUCHING: A total of RM3,221,190 from street advertising was received by the three councils in Kuching Division last year from RM3,087,800 the previous year.

Street advertising is a popular form of advertising a product or services and among others it can take the form of banner, fish tail, billboard and electronic signboard.

Kuching South City Council (MBKS) received the highest revenue of RM1,679,000 in 2012 from RM1,664,000 in 2011.

Kuching North City Hall (DBKU) received a revenue of RM1,263,190 in 2012 and RM1,103,900 in 2011 followed by Padawan Municipal Council (PMC)’s RM279,000 in 2012 and RM319,000 in 2011.

The increase in overall revenue from the three councils shows there is still strong demand from the business community for street advertising to disseminate info on products and services to the public.

Kuching South mayor Datuk James Chan said the revenue from street advertising is encouraging and that MBKS enforcement officers are strict on rogue street advertisers.

“Our officers will tear down illegal banners and stickers,” he told The Borneo Post when met at his office yesterday.

Chan said their enforcement officers will use any phone contact displayed on illegal ads to inform Malaysia Communication and Multimedia Commission to blacklist them.

Previously, illegal advertising was rampant but not anymore, claimed Chan.

He praised his enforcement officers for their prompt response to iIlegal posters or ads.

“As mayor, I advise the people to use the proper channel to advertise,” he added.

Meanwhile, PMC chairman Lo Khere Chiang said revenue from street ads is needed for the council’s development projects besides helping the business community.He said some loan sharks also resort to illegal advertising like pasting stickers on the facade of premises.

Lo said advertisers can build the framework for their own billboard provided it has the approval of the council’s engineer.

“The structure and design of the billboard should withstand harsh weather conditions,” he said, stressing that the business community should comply with regulations for street ads.

A DBKU spokesperson said 2012 saw an increase in street advertising, which he hopes will continue to encourage commercial activities.

Not all councils in Sarawak are authorised to determine their own advertising rate as they have to adhere to guidelines from the state government.