Residents on Penang Island have been urged not to give duit raya to rubbish collection workers during the Hari Raya festivities.
Penang Island City Council (MBPP) councillor Rohaizat Hamid issued a stern warning, advising homeowners not to comply if workers request money.
“We do not condone such actions, and stern measures will be taken against any wrongdoing,” he said at a press conference at Penang City Hall in Esplanade.
Rohaizat revealed that earlier this year, a contractor was fined RM2,000 after one of its workers was caught soliciting a red packet from a homeowner during Chinese New Year. Following the incident, the worker was dismissed from the company.
During the media briefing, Rohaizat played a video showing a homeowner handing a red packet to a worker after being asked for it.
MBPP councillor Tan Soo Siang echoed his concerns, calling such behavior unacceptable.
“We urge the public to cooperate with us by reporting any such incidents. All reports will remain private and confidential,” she said.
The public can report such cases via the MBPP hotline at 04-2637637 (24 hours) or 04-2633000 (office hours).
Meanwhile, Rohaizat also announced the domestic and bulky waste collection schedule for Hari Raya Aidilfitri, from March 24 to March 30
*Domestic waste collection:*
Landed residential properties – follows the regular schedule.
High-rise residential properties – follows the regular schedule (except Sundays).
*RORO and multi-lift bin collection:*
Twice daily: First round until 10am, second round until 4pm
*Bulky and garden waste collection:*
Available from March 24 to March 30.
A free collection service is provided for large-sized bulky waste.
Additional RORO bins have been placed at public markets in Kampung Baru Sungai Ara, Jalan Sungai Tiram, and Balik Pulau.
For further inquiries, residents are encouraged to contact MBPP.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis