Latest news with #LocalGovernmentAct1976
Barnama
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Barnama
Sterner Action To Be Taken Against Illegal Waste Dumpers
ISKANDAR PUTERI, May 26 (Bernama) -- Johor will implement stricter measures to tackle the growing problem of illegal waste dumping. Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi stressed the need for more radical and comprehensive measures to ensure the ongoing sustainability of the state's environment. He said the recent decree by the Regent of Johor, Tunku Mahkota Ismail, highlighting concerns about pollution in rivers and roads caused by irresponsible individuals, signals that it is time for more decisive action. "Among the steps include raising the minimum compound rate as a clear signal to all parties, in addition to amending or introducing new, more relevant and stringent laws," he said during the winding-up session of the Johor State Legislative Assembly sitting at Kota Iskandar here today. He added that the state government has also formed a Special Committee to Tackle Illegal Waste Dumping, which has three main focuses: strengthening enforcement and reviewing outdated by-laws; expanding civic education and public awareness campaigns more aggressively; and introducing a smart monitoring system based on Artificial Intelligence (AI) at hotspot areas to speed up the detection and prosecution of offenders. Onn Hafiz said that although Section 69 of the Local Government Act 1976 (Act 171) empowers local authorities to impose fines of up to RM2,000 or one-year imprisonment and an additional fine of RM500 per day for repeat offences, as well as the Environmental Quality Act 1974 (Act 127) which allows for penalties of up to RM100,000 for water pollution offences, these laws need to be further scrutinised. "Other countries are far stricter and more aggressive than us currently. For example, Singapore imposes fines ranging from 2,000 Singapore dollars (RM6,600) to 50,000 Singapore dollars (RM165,000), Corrective Work Orders (public cleaning work), and 'Name & Shame'. "In South Korea, the penalty goes up to 100 million won (RM350,000) and imprisonment of up to seven years, utilising technologies such as IoT sensors and CCTV. "In Japan, laws like the 'Waste Management and Public Cleansing Law' and the 'Water Pollution Control Law' empower authorities with significant authority. Fines can reach up to 10 million yen (over RM300,000), and violations may result in imprisonment for up to five years," he said.
The Star
14-05-2025
- Health
- The Star
Ampang Jaya eateries slapped with compounds in food safety ops
MPAJ officers inspecting and rating the condition of a toilet in an eatery, among other areas checked, during the enforcement in Taman Muda. TWENTY-THREE compounds were issued to food operators in Ampang Jaya, Selangor, for failing to adhere to food safety standards. The operators were found to have discharged effluents improperly, employed food handlers who had not received typhoid vaccinations, neglected basic hygiene practices and failed to implement pest control measures within their premises. The operation by Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ) involved 21 food premises in Taman Muda. 'Toilets at the inspected premises were also reviewed and rated during the same operation. 'Seventeen toilets received four- and five-star ratings, while two compounds were issued to operators for failing to maintain toilet cleanliness,' MPAJ said in a media statement. The local authority said this was in line with requirements from Housing and Local Government Ministry (KPKT) which stipulated that all public toilets at food premises must achieve a 4- or 5-star rating and meet the Clean, Attractive and Fragrant (BMW) standard before their operating licences could be renewed. 'During the operation, an Aedes-free backlane operation was also carried out, where officers identified four mosquito-breeding sites,' MPAJ stated. 'Three compounds were issued under Section 74 of Local Government Act 1976 (Act 171) to owners of premises with unhygienic conditions. 'They included buildings where containers with stagnant water were found, each having the potential to facilitate mosquito breeding,' the statement said. The local council added that enforcement action was also carried out at a scrap yard, resulting in the seizure of items. Separately, inspections to ensure proper pest control were carried out at several locations, including grocery stores, supermarkets and fruit shops. One compound was issued under Section 34(1) of MPAJ Food Establishments 2007 by-law to an operator for failing to take necessary steps to keep the premises free of pests. 'The operation is part of MPAJ's efforts to prioritise cleanliness, particularly in how food is handled at premises within our jurisdiction. 'All premises owners, especially those involved in preparing, handling or selling food, must comply with the regulations to ensure the food is clean, safe and does not endanger public health,' said the local council. MPAJ said regular monitoring and inspections would be conducted to ensure food premises upheld the highest standards of cleanliness.
New Straits Times
08-05-2025
- Health
- New Straits Times
Malaysia urged to strengthen tobacco licensing and enforcement
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's top tobacco control group is urging local authorities to step up checks on licensed businesses selling tobacco products. Backed by the Local Government Act 1976, the Malaysian Council for Tobacco Control (MCTC) said local councils must enforce business compliance with regulations set by national agencies, including the Health Ministry and the National Kenaf and Tobacco Board (LKTN). MCTC president Dr M. Murallitharan said that since 2022, all tobacco retailers in Malaysia are required to be licensed by LKTN and to display the permit prominently as part of stricter measures to curb illicit sales. "This measure is crucial to curb the sale of illicit tobacco products that have disrupted the legal market and caused significant economic losses," he said in a statement. MCTC is a non-governmental coalition of health professionals and public health advocates working to promote tobacco control policies, support enforcement, and protect young people from tobacco and nicotine products. Dr Murallitharan also urged local authorities to enforce regulations, including mandatory "No Smoking" signs, a ban on displaying smoking products at sales counters, and restrictions on marketing to minors. Councils must strengthen enforcement by making public health rules a core condition of business licences, helping to reduce overlap with other agencies, he said. Dr Murallitharan also said all local councils should take proactive steps to review and tighten their licensing terms, incorporating relevant legal and regulatory requirements to support national efforts to protect consumers and public health.
The Star
03-05-2025
- The Star
Seberang Perai council out to curb public feeding of pigeons, crows
Seberang Perai City Council enforcement catching pigeons in Taman Mesra, Butterworth in Penang. Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) received 414 public littering complaints last year, many of which were linked to people feeding pigeons and crows. MBSP councillor Derick Chong Wei Hoong said following investigations and enforcement action, the city council issued 61 notices and compounds to individuals caught feeding the birds. He said other efforts to address the issue included 30 operations to capture the birds and the installation of signboards at hotspots to warn the public against feeding birds in public areas. In a recent case, an 80-year-old man in Taman Mesra, Butterworth, was issued a RM250 fine for littering outside his home when he fed pigeons. A video showed the man scattering food on the ground as hundreds of pigeons swarmed around him. This was despite the city council erecting a sign in January and distributing brochures to residents, prohibiting the feeding of pigeons and crows. Chong said the man was issued a compound under the Street, Drainage and Building Act 1974. He said the city council was urging the public to refrain from feeding crows and pigeons as it would result in public nuisance and poor environmental hygiene. 'Under Section 82 (5) of the Local Government Act 1976, failure to adhere to a nuisance removal notice could result in a fine of up to RM1,000, imprisonment for up to six months, or both. 'The situation, particularly in areas like Taman Mesra, is at a critical stage. 'This year, we have conducted two pigeon-catching operations, with two signboards installed and 10 more in the works,' said Chong. 'We urge the public to cooperate and stop feeding the pigeons,' he added.
New Straits Times
27-04-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Kedah MB wants to follow Terengganu in banning vape sales
SUNGAI PETANI: Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor said he wants to emulate the Terengganu government's move to ban electronic cigarette or vape sales. Sanusi said he would raise the matter at the state executive council meeting next week. "If possible, we want to emulate Terengganu's move. "I was told that vaping is hazardous, even more dangerous than cigarettes, due to chemical usage. "There is also concern over the abuse of 'magic mushrooms' among teenagers," he said after opening Akademi Darul Ilmi's tahfiz students' graduation ceremony here. Present were the state Education, Information and Religious Committee chairman Datuk Mohd Azam Abdul Samat and the academy's founder, Ustaz Mohamad Wadi Anuar Ayub. The use of "magic mushroom" vape products is emerging as a serious concern in Malaysia's illicit drug landscape. On Friday, the Terengganu government announced a statewide ban on the sale of electronic cigarette (vape) products at all premises starting Aug 1. Its state Local Government, Housing and Health Committee chairman Datuk Wan Sukairi Wan Abdullah said the decision was to curb the sale and use of vape products, which might have negative health effects on the younger generation. He was reported as saying that stern action would be taken against any vape business operators who defied the ban, under the Local Government Act 1976 (Act 171) bylaws, including fines, seizures and court action.
