UNDER an initiative named ‘Watch You,’ mobile closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras will be installed at 16 hotspots throughout Seberang Perai to combat littering over the mainland.
A proactive step taken by the Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) with the collaboration of Happy Icon Sdn Bhd, a technology-based company, the initiative aims to discourage indiscriminate dumping of rubbish near communal bins and enhance the cleanliness of the city.
State Local Government, Town and Country Planning chairman Jason H’ng Mooi Lye, who officially launched the ‘Watch You’ programme at the MBSP hall yesterday, said so far four CCTVs have been installed since February this year and the remaining 12 will be installed within the next three months.
He said the mobile cameras would be installed for a three-month period at each site or until the problem of illegal dumping is effectively addressed. Following this, the CCTVs will be relocated to other areas with similar littering issues.
“Since February this year, two CCTVs have been used in a trial phase to monitor irresponsible garbage disposal activities. During this period, MBSP has issued a total of 55 compounds to individuals or companies for improper waste disposal, including disposing of garbage outside designated bins and burning rubbish, among other offences.
“I would like to say well done to MBSP for taking this initiative as one of the ways to preserve the cleanliness of the environment.
“With this CCTV monitoring, MBSP will be able to track irresponsible parties and issue compounds and fines to those who commit such offence,” he said.
H’ng added that the haphazardly discarded rubbish in residential areas and along roadsides would lead to odour pollution, pose health risks, affect the quality of life, and foster pest infestation.
“It is not only the responsibility of the local authority to take care of the environment and the area around us but also the local residents who have a crucial role to play.
“The practice of carelessly throwing trash by the roadside or from vehicles in a ‘drive-thru’ manner must end,” H’ng emphasised.
MBSP currently has 1,039 communal bins located along roads all over Seberang Perai, of which 18% (182) have garbage overflow problems.
MBSP mayor Datuk Azhar Arshad, who was also present during the launch, noted that even when bins are not at full capacity, some people still chose to dump their waste next to the bins, leading to unsanitary conditions.
He said the communal bins are intended for household waste, while industrial waste should be sent to the Pulau Burung landfill by the operators. However, MBSP also discovered instances of direct disposal of industrial waste into communal bins.
To date, MBSP has installed CCTVs in four areas, namely Taman Widuri, Kampung Kepala Gajah, Taman Cendana Permai and Pekan Penaga. The remaining 12 locations will have cameras installed within the next three months.
“These CCTVs are equipped with an artificial intelligence (AI) applications capable of recognising vehicle registration numbers and even facial recognition to identify and penalise offenders.
“I call on all Seberang Perai residents to always uphold public cleanliness. Littering and disposal of industrial and commercial solid waste in the MBSP communal bins is an offence that can lead to fines of up to RM2,000,” Azhar said.
The 16 identified hotspots for CCTV installation in Seberang Perai are:
North Seberang Perai
Kepala Batas
- Jalan Tiga, Sri Serdang
- Jalan Permatang Kuang, Penaga
Tasek Gelugor
- Depoh Lama (Jalan Permatang Endah)
- Simpang Empat Permatang Buloh (Near driving school)
Bagan
- Jalan Melur, Taman Sin Tat
- Lorong Kenanga, Taman Merbau Jaya
Central Seberang Perai
Permatang Pauh
- Kg Kepala Bukit (Tong Pencawang)
- Lorong Perda Utama 9, Bandar Perda
Bukit Mertajam
- Lorong Sukun 12 (Tepi Padang)
- Tong Jalan Kilang Ubi
South Seberang Perai
Batu Kawan
- Tong Kg Sekolah
- Tong Komplek Inderawasih
- Jalan Pintasan Halaman Seroja
- Lorong Nafiri 4
Nibong Tebal
- Tong Kg Kuyung
- Tong Taman Pekaka Public Market
Story by Ammar Mikhail Aamer
Pix by Darwina Mohd Daud