A COUNCILLOR from the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) has called for a review on policies and guidelines pertaining to enforcement action of the local council.
Councillor Azahari Aris said the review was needed to fine-tune enforcement action; so that the process could be more suited with the current development.
“Five to 10 years ago, we have rarely encountered people belittling the council for the enforcement action taken. This situation has changed in the blink of an eye since the eruption of Information Technology (IT).
“People have been treating the internet or other social media applications as ‘licence’ to express their views; to such an extent that they become extreme.
“We have seen hate postings in the social media. The ‘viral syndrome’ and the act of disparaging the council have become a norm.
“Those who condemned the council no longer fear the consequences as they are hiding in the virtual world,” he said.
He said that the sense of decency by the council, sometimes, had been construed as a ‘weakness’.
“It is time for the council to review the policies and guidelines pertaining to enforcement action of the local council.
“Stern action must be taken against those who disregard the policies and guidelines. It is also to serve as a lesson to others,” he said in his speech during the MBPP meeting at City Hall today.
MBPP mayor Datuk Yew Tung Seang said he agreed with Azahari to some extent.
“The council adopts the ‘last in, first out’ approach when it deals with illegal structures or stalls.
“The council will take action against any new illegal structure first.
“We agree with Azahari’s statement that our unit should be more responsive in the social media.
“We have to counter (allegations in the social media) with facts. We take note of his suggestion.
“(Allegations in the social media) travel very fast, hence, we must respond equally fast too,” he said.
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix by MBPP and Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi