View: A littering habit we need to throw away

Wednesday May 20, 2009

THE Government has spent huge sums of public funds in trying to educate the public on the importance of caring for our environment.

There are even anti-littering laws and compounds in place to curb the disgusting littering habits of Malaysians.

Unfortunately, while it is a pleasure to visit some of our neighbouring countries which are so clean, it is most appalling to see that littering is normal and litter is everywhere back home.

Restaurant operators have no qualms in cleaning tables by wiping off food and tissue onto the floor. Whether it is a popular night spot hugging the vicinity of KLCC, or the rows of modern eateries lining urban developments, they are no different from the infamous Chow Kit market square in Kuala Lumpur.

In most countries, individuals take personal responsibility and pride in ensuring they do not litter indiscriminately. And it is very easy to spot undamaged litter bins along streets and public areas.

In other countries too, business operators go to extremes to ensure their shop fronts are free of garbage. Unfortunately, despite all the campaigns and billboards screaming to instil and promote anti-litter habits here, we Malaysians remain indifferent.

Not only do we litter without any cares, some even damage litter bins. Even garbage collectors have become indifferent; just observe the trail of litter they leave behind each time they come on their ponky rounds.

It is indeed a shame. As a nation, we are a failure in attitudes and mindsets. While other Third World nations are making great effort in taking personal responsibility for their environment, we continue to be indifferent.

The litter that fills restaurant floors or lines the pavements of urban developments and grass verges all along our main roads and highways confirms the fact that Malaysians are largely irresponsible. It must be plugged and it demands serious enforcement. If education, encouragement and teasing have failed, strict and consistent enforced punishment without prejudice is a final option.

But then again, even to enforce such a stringent measure may be a challenge as the very enforcement people may be an integral part of the litter crowd. Certainly, the Government must address this problem that eventually may be the main cause for an endemic outbreak. And that may be just too late.

J D LOVRENCIEAR,

Semenyih.

This image was taken from: The Star Online: News: Opinion, 20 May 2009