Residents and businesses in Padungan have received 101 rubbish bins through a Kuching South City Council and Trienekens programme, with the council emphasising that collection services alone cannot keep the area clean. At the distribution at the Padungan AmBank car park on the morning of Oct 20, Kuching South mayor Wee Hong Seng asked recipients to look after the bins and keep them clean. Each costs several hundred ringgit, he said, making regular care important both for hygiene and for extending its useful life. Food and beverage businesses were singled out: poorly maintained bins can create unpleasant odours and affect how customers view a premises. The useful change for recipients is the new bin itself; keeping the storage area and container hygienic remains part of day-to-day premises management, rather than something resolved simply when rubbish is collected.

[image: 1784088233017-miri-cleanliness.jpeg] Miri's city cleanliness is back in the spotlight after some residents questioned whether the Asean Clean Tourist City award matches the situation on the ground. The Borneo Post checked several public and commercial areas in Miri and found a mixed picture. Some spaces are well kept, but other areas still have overflowing bins, overgrown grass, clogged drains and stagnant water. What the council said Miri City Council councillor Kelvin Chia said cleanliness problems involve contractors, businesses, residents and the council. He said three residential maintenance contractors were recently terminated after poor performance. Food waste is another major issue. The city generates about 80,000 tonnes of waste a year, with food waste making up around 40%. MCC has also identified 13 illegal dumping hotspots, with four already cleared. Councillor Leslie Lau Ik Chie said ageing drains in older commercial areas need upgrades because current development and heavier rainfall have pushed old systems beyond their limits. Location: Miri, Sarawak Details: Cleanliness, waste, drains and illegal dumping remain key city-management issues. Source: The Borneo Post What do you think?