Ipoh City Council targets illegal dumping with new initiatives

Illegal dumping has long plagued public spaces in Ipoh, but the Ipoh City Council (MBI) is stepping up its efforts to combat this issue.

Despite placing over 2,000 ‘No Littering’ signs across dumping hotspots over the past three years, poor public habits continue to undermine progress.

MBI’s latest move seeks to bring a lasting solution and ensure that Ipoh becomes a Clean, Safe, and Smart city.

In an official statement, MBI highlighted that out of 120 illegal dumping hotspots within its administrative area, six have been successfully shut down by September this year.

Stepping up efforts to curb illegal dumping

The Ipoh City Council has not only installed 2,015 warning signs at illegal dumping sites but has also introduced hands-on programs to clean up these areas.

Among them is the Gotong Royong Perdana Perangi Sampah Haram: Perak Bersih Dan Sihat (Perak Best) 2024 campaign, which took place in Taman Sri Rapat.

The program involved clearing waste, installing new signs, and distributing 567 free trash bins to residents.

As part of Local Agenda 21, a program aimed at fostering collaboration between local authorities, communities, and the private sector, MBI is determined to make progress.

These efforts come at a crucial time, as the issue of illegal dumping not only tarnishes the image of the city but also poses health risks to residents.

Council secretary Ahmad Munir bin Ishak, who officiated the campaign, emphasised the need for community involvement, stressing that the success of these programs depends on resident participation.

A call for active community involvement

While the Ipoh City Council has implemented several measures, from enforcement to education, the key to long-term success lies in community action.

MBI’s latest initiatives go beyond merely enforcing rules—they focus on creating a sense of ownership among residents.

Providing free trash bins, like the ones distributed in Taman Sri Rapat, is a practical step toward empowering people to manage their waste more effectively.

Additionally, the partnership with various stakeholders under Local Agenda 21 highlights a broader strategy—working hand-in-hand with communities and the private sector to create sustainable solutions.

Gopeng Member of Parliament, Tan Kar Hing, also joined the efforts, showing the level of support this initiative has at both local and governmental levels.

MBI’s aim is clear: to make Ipoh a model of cleanliness, safety, and sustainability. However, without the active participation of every resident, these goals will remain difficult to achieve.

Source: Peraktastic