THE Ministry of Local Government and Housing has instructed local authorities to fully enforce the anti-litter by-laws now that the Uniform By-Laws (Anti-Litter) 2010 is in force.
To make the enforcement a success, local authorities’ officials will engage in a series of discussions and dialogues with the public, including hawkers, shopkeepers and restaurant owners, said its minister Datuk Hj Hajiji Hj Noor in his winding up speech at the State Legislative Assembly yesterday.
“Among the activities to be carried out in conjunction with this educational exercise are Anti-Litter Bug Campaigns whose components include litter-free premises.
“Towards this end, enforcement officers of local authorities have been given courses related to the by-laws to make the campaign even more effective,” he stated.
Hajiji however pointed out that the public’s awareness towards cleanliness is also of utmost importance and they should not have the attitude that keeping the towns litter-free is solely the responsibility of the government.
The minister also touched on run-down and dirty public toilets, adding that local authorities have been instructed to submit lists of public toilets which need repair or upgrading.
“Funds will be sought from the Local Government Department of the federal Ministry of Urban Well-Being, Housing and Local Government for implementation this year,” he added.
Meanwhile, Hajiji whose ministry is in charge of native affairs, said the Cabinet Committee on the Interpretation of Native had not made a decision.
“The issue of interpretation of native has to be studied in detail as this issue is very delicate and sensitive so that the government does not simply make a decision which may endanger the interests of natives in the future,” he stated.
He added that his ministry agrees with a suggestion that the National Registration Department allows the use of terms like Sino-Kadazan or Sino-Dusuns, and not Sino-Natives and will hold discussions on the matter with the department.
On another issue, the minister assured that the Sabah Housing and Town Development Authority (LPPB) will not waver from its responsibility in providing adequate affordable public housing.
“However, I wish to clarify that LPPB is allowed to have joint-ventures with the private sector so that the state government agency is self-financing, thus reducing the financial burden of the government.
“But LPPB will always give priority to providing adequate affordable housing to the people,” he added.