Onn Hafiz (second from left) with Mohd Jafni (right) and Pasir Gudang mayor Datuk Asman Shah Abdul Rahman taking part in a cleaning initiative under Johor Bersih in Masai, Pasir Gudang.
THE “Johor Bersih” initiative will now have all executive councillors assisting the state’s efforts to expand the programme.
Johor housing and local government committee chairman Datuk Mohd Jafni Md Shukor said the state, through 16 local governments, would also be working closely with Solid Waste Management and Public Cleansing Corporation (SWCorp).
“Those caught red-handed throwing rubbish can be issued a fine of RM2,000 under the Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management Act 2007 (Act 672).
“The Johor Bersih initiative was previously under my portfolio, but starting this year, Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi has expanded it to the other nine executive councillors.
“So now, besides local councils, we can also mobilise the health department, neighbourhood watch, village committees and schools to be part of the cleanup programme,” he said when contacted.
The Bukit Permai assemblyman said the state government was also expected to launch the Johor Bersih 2.0 initiative in Johor Baru with over 2,000 participants comprising the private sector and premises owners.
“Starting this year, the private sector and premises owners are encouraged to clean their areas every Sunday from 7am to 8am.
“They can choose to clean their own areas or be part of the weekly gotong-royong programme that the council has organised,” he said, adding that the weekly schedule would be shared via the council’s social media page.
Asked on the success of the ongoing programme, Mohd Jafni said Johor Bersih would continue until keeping the surroundings clean became part of the culture.
“We want people to love their city and keep it clean.
“We don’t want to instil fear by taking punitive action.
“We prefer to create awareness that Johor is heading towards a developed state and it should look like one,” he said.
He added that the local councils would also place more garbage bins in public areas with high footfall, in the hope that people would discard their rubbish in the proper place and not litter everywhere.
