The Malacca state government will monitor the littering problem, which is causing the drainage system to be clogged up, with various negative impacts, including to the state's image as a tourism destination.

Chief Minister Adly Zahari said his department had received complaints about clogged drains and ditches; disruption to the water supply systems and flash floods in some areas in the state due to irresponsible waste disposal.

“The Department of Environment (DOE) and the local authorities have already acted to clean up the affected areas, although we can see a lot of rubbish in some places and dam areas as the process involves us gathering the waste and cleaning the areas.

“We do not want the waste to flow into the Malacca River (tourism centre) which could have an effect on the state’s tourism. We will conduct continuous monitoring so that the amount of waste can be reduced,” Adly told the media after attending the Malacca Government Monthly Assembly yesterday.

He was responding the exclusive report by Bernama yesterday on the issue of improper disposal of waste causing an eyesore and has also become the main enemy of the drainage system in Malacca.

Adly said the state government was committed to pioneering the implementation of a green development plan, monitoring the garbage disposal issue as well as committed to planting trees in more than 100 acres of state-owned land.

He added the implementation of the project involved areas surrounding the banks of Sungai Putat up to the Malacca International Trade Centre (MITC) in an effort to ensure environmental sustainability for future generations.

“If we look at the developed countries, they have already ‘re-forested’ the urban areas in a more organised manner. We have yet to estimate the costs as we are reviewing the allocations that could be made available by the fedeeral government and are in the process of finalising the plans the plan,” he said.

Adly also called on the people of the state, especially civil servants, to change their lifestyle by cultivating green practices to achieve a better and balanced development.

“I also call the civil servants to come forward and be a member of the Environmental Partners, in which all the state exco, including me, will participate. We would be more appreciative and be more responsible in conserving the environment,” he said.

- Bernama