AN illegal dumpsite has tarnished the image of Asia’s first animation theme park, Movie Animation Park Studios (MAPS), in
Bandar Meru Raya, Ipoh, Perak.
Clothes, plastic bags filled with rubbish, tyres, construction debris, are seen in the vacant building in Jalan Meru Bestari A11.
Garbage can also be seen in the backlanes of shoplots.
Located 1km from MAPS, the dumpsite also poses a health hazard to residents.
A resident, who wished to be identified only as Omar, said he was worried the site would become a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
“It is shame to see such a view as the dumpsite is 1km away the animation theme park.
“Those who throw their garbage there might think it is okay to do that because the site is at a vacant building and hidden from view, but they do not consider the threat to residents.
“I urge the authorities to clean up the area and put up a sign to stop people from throwing rubbish there.”
A shop owner said the lane behind his shop was filled with rubbish, such as tyres, thrown by people.
“We are told to throw rubbish in bins. I wonder why people throw rubbish in roads.”
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An Ipoh City Council spokes-man said despite cleaning work, the problem persisted because of the lackadaisical attitude of people.
“Last year, we cleared 14,758 illegal dumpsites. We have issued 554 compounds totalling RM76,390 to those caught throwing rubbish in illegal dumpsites.
“Litterbugs are slapped with a compound of between RM250 and RM500.
“We put up 756 ‘No Littering’ signs in the city.”
He added that the council would clean up the area.
“We will put up signboards in the area, warning residents against dumping rubbish there, as well as assign an officer to monitor the area.”