Signboards erected illegally at Durin-Sibu Jaya junction.
Datu Dr Penguang Manggil
SIBU: All local councils in Sarawak are urged to strictly enforce the Advertisement By-laws to prevent the recurrence of placing advertisements illegally at roadsides and other public places.
Assistant Minister of Local Government Datu Dr Penguang Manggil, in making the call yesterday, said adverts placed at road junctions, for example, were putting road users in great danger.
“All adverts must have permits or licences from the councils. However, there are still a lot of people who defy the law and put their adverts on lamp posts, fencing and road shoulders and junctions, which obstruct the view of drivers, and hence pose dangers to road users.
“In the interest of public safety, all local councils are reminded to take stern action against the culprits and remove the illegal adverts immediately,” he said.
The Marudi assemblyman was asked whether local councils could mete out stiffer sentence on individuals putting up advertisements (especially money lending services) on road signs.
Meanwhile, chairman of Sibu Rural District Council Sempurai Petrus Ngelai, said they have already started to remove and confiscate signboards and banners that were erected illegally.
He said many signboards had been erected illegally at road junctions, blocking the view of motorists.
“So far, actions have been taken to remove the illegal signboards and banners. As for the serious cases, especially for repeated offenders, the council can compound the errant companies and individuals,” he said.