MIRI – The Miri City Council (MCC) has intensified its crackdown on unauthorised advertising materials, removing thousands of illegal posters and stickers from public spaces in a bid to maintain urban order and combat illicit financial activities.
As of 27 July 2026, enforcement teams have successfully taken down approximately 7,542 illegal advertisements across the city’s administrative area.
The majority of these removed materials were linked to unlicensed money lenders, commonly known as “alongs”. These advertisements were found plastered on lampposts, road signs, flyovers, and various public utilities without the necessary permits.
The council’s Enforcement Section has been conducting continuous operations to ensure that Miri remains clean, orderly, and free from such visual clutter.
This stringent approach is grounded in the Advertisement Bylaw 2012, which mandates that all advertising materials must receive valid approval from the local authority before being displayed.
The bylaw serves as a legal framework to regulate public spaces and prevent the misuse of community infrastructure for unauthorised commercial or illicit purposes. By strictly enforcing these regulations, the MCC aims to deter individuals and syndicates from exploiting public property for promotional gains.
In a significant move to enhance the effectiveness of these efforts, the MCC has forged a strategic partnership with the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC). This collaboration targets the communication channels used by unlicensed money lending syndicates.
To date, fifteen phone numbers identified on illegal advertisements have been reported to the MCMC for blocking. This measure is designed to disrupt the operational capabilities of these illegal lenders by cutting off their primary means of contacting potential victims.
The council views this multi-agency approach as essential for comprehensive enforcement. By combining physical removal of advertisements with digital countermeasures, authorities aim to reduce the visibility and accessibility of unlicensed money lending services.
This dual strategy not only cleans up the cityscape but also strikes at the heart of the illegal business model relied upon by these syndicates.
Officials have warned that the council will not compromise on taking strict action against any party found violating applicable laws. Enforcement operations are set to continue with increased intensity, ensuring that repeat offenders face appropriate legal consequences.
The MCC emphasises that maintaining a lawful and orderly environment requires unwavering commitment from all regulatory bodies involved.
Simultaneously, the council has issued a strong advisory to the public, urging residents to avoid engaging with unlicensed money lenders.
These entities often rely on illegal advertising as their main promotional tool, preying on vulnerable individuals through aggressive and unregulated lending practices. The MCC encourages citizens to remain vigilant and to report any sightings of illegal advertising activities.
To assist in investigations, the public is asked to provide evidence when safe to do so. Residents who spot individuals posting illegal materials are encouraged to take photos or videos, particularly those that clearly show vehicle registration numbers.
This information can be channelled to the MCC or relevant enforcement agencies, enabling authorities to identify and prosecute those responsible. However, the council stresses that personal safety should never be compromised during such observations.
The effort to eradicate illegal advertising is seen as a collective responsibility. The MCC believes that sustained cooperation between the government, enforcement agencies, and the community is vital for long-term success.
By working together, stakeholders can ensure that Miri remains a safe, clean, and conducive city for living, visiting, and enjoying.
As the campaign progresses, the council plans to strengthen integrated enforcement efforts further. This includes ongoing collaboration with relevant agencies to implement more robust measures against illegal advertising and unlicensed money lending.
The ultimate goal is to foster a community environment where lawful behaviour is the norm and illicit activities are systematically dismantled.
