The
awareness level of littering among Malaysians is still low. Littering reflects
the civilization of that society. Obviously people who throw garbage in public
areas do not belong to a first class society. Currently, the common places for
people to dispose their waste are in the river and on the streets. Many are
more likely to litter on the roads while driving because they are more
concerned with the cleanliness of their vehicle rather than to maintain the
cleanliness of the public areas.
Littering
on the road has become a phenomenon in Malaysia. Often, people arbitrarily throw
the trash out of their vehicles regardless of the security of other road users
especially motorcyclists. Disposal of waste such as plastic food wrappers and
tissues while driving can endanger the lives of other road users as plastic and
paper are lightweight and easily blown by the wind. It
is feared that the garbage could block the front visuals of motorcyclists and,
block hit the front screen of other vehicles where they could lose focus in
driving.
In addition, the disposal of garbage on the road also can worsen the cleanliness
as well as pollute the air with the stench. Streets are the main route used by
everyone including tourists from abroad. The street condition that is filled
with trash deteriorates the dignity of the country. In fact we might even be labeled
as polluter. Cleanliness is a major force in attracting foreign tourists. Littering
on the road can also affect the health of residents nearby. Piles of rubbish at
the roadside can become breeding grounds for mosquitoes such as Aedes. The stench coming out of the
garbage can attract rodents and flies. Mosquitoes, rats and flies are vector carrying
infectious diseases.
Maintaining
public cleanliness is the responsibility of all parties. Motorists should obey
the “No Littering” signboard so that trash is not being thrown on the road
because roads are public facility. The authorities also need to constantly
monitor road users and impose appropriate measures to the road users who fail
to obey the law. Furthermore, it is also proposed that trash cans be placed
along the road, to facilitate disposal of trash. Place more bins in a
residential areas, Rest & Recreation (R&R), and petrol stations. Bins
need to be emptied regularly.
No comments:
Post a Comment