MBDK enforcement officer Alim Othman showing some of the illegal advertisements removed from public areas at the council’s yard in Klang.
KLANG Royal City Council (MBDK) has removed 6,162 illegal banners and bunting in public areas such as trees, lamp posts, traffic lights and road signs up to July this year.
MBDK enforcement chief Andry Arman Masrom said most of the illegal advertisements were on property rental, transport rental, household renovations and moneylending services.
“Out of the 6,162 illegal advertisements, 2,495 were unlicensed moneylenders or ‘Ah Long’ posters where 29 phone numbers have been referred to the Malaysia Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC).
“MBDK has an Illegal Advertisement Unit with a team of six that goes out every day to remove unlicensed advertisements,” he said after an operation to remove illegal bunting at Jalan Jambu Bol and Jalan Mengkuang off Jalan Teluk Pulai.
Andry said MCMC can terminate the numbers of Ah Long printed on the advertisements under Section 263 (2) of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.
He said these illegal advertisements mar the royal city’s image and damage trees.
“When a report is made of illegal advertisements, our team would respond within an hour or two,” Andry said.
He added that last year, the council removed 32,465 illegal banners and bunting, including 13,582 loan shark related advertisements where 99 phone numbers were referred to MCMC.
Andry said the council had issued compounds to 448 businesses in relation to illegal advertisements up to July, compared to 551 last year for the same offence.
“The Advertisement By-law 2007 states that no person may erect any advertising sign or banner without prior written approval of MBDK.
“Owners of illegal advertisements could also be compounded up to RM1,000,” he said.
Andry added that flagrant disregard for the council’s by-law also placed motorists at risk.
“Bunting tied on poles at traffic intersections obstruct their view,” he said.
