PADAWAN – The Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) has intervened to address a burgeoning public health crisis at the Kota Sentosa Market, situated in the 7th Mile area.
The action follows reports of persistent illegal dumping along the roadside, which has caused significant distress to local traders and residents.
Irresponsible parties had been using the perimeter of the marketplace as a makeshift disposal site, depositing various types of refuse in direct violation of local government bylaws.
The accumulation of waste resulted in severe foul odours and raised alarms regarding the potential for disease outbreaks within the high-traffic commercial zone.
The Chairman of MPP, Cr Tan Kai, conducted a personal site inspection to evaluate the severity of the environmental degradation.
Recognising the immediate risk to the community, the chairman ordered an emergency cleanup operation, which was carried out by council workers shortly after the visit.
The council has issued a stern reminder to the public that depositing, dumping, or placing any form of waste or bulky objects in public spaces is strictly prohibited.
Under the existing local government regulations, individuals caught engaging in such activities face legal repercussions, as these acts compromise public safety and the cleanliness of shared infrastructure.
“We strongly condemn this irresponsible and unacceptable act, which threatens public safety, harms the environment, and degrades our shared surroundings,” a spokesperson for the council stated during the enforcement exercise.
The Kota Sentosa Market is one of the busiest hubs in the Padawan jurisdiction, and maintaining its hygiene is a priority for the municipal council.
The presence of rotting waste not only impacts the aesthetics of the town but also deters customers, potentially affecting the income of legitimate market vendors.
Moving forward, MPP is expected to increase its surveillance of known illegal dumping hotspots. The council has urged members of the local community to act as its eyes and ears by reporting any suspicious waste disposal activities to the authorities immediately.
Residents are encouraged to use the designated waste collection services provided by the council to ensure that the 7th Mile area remains a safe and pleasant environment for all.
Further educational campaigns regarding proper waste management are being considered to prevent a recurrence of the situation at the marketplace.
