Selangor Recreational Areas To Have CCTVs Installed To Prevent Littering

Dummy CCTVs can act as a psychological deterrent to tackle the problem of littering in recreational areas.

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A local council is planning to use high-quality fake surveillance cameras (CCTVs) as an effective means of deterring and fooling litterbugs.

Majlis Perbandaran Hulu Selangor (MPSH) president Mohd Hasry Nor Mohd said fake surveillance cameras cost only a fraction of the cost of live surveillance systems.

For recreational parks, this expense is not justified and dummy cameras can provide the appropriate level of protection in combination with other measures such as sign boards.
Majlis Perbandaran Hulu Selangor (MPSH) president Mohd Hasry Nor Mohd

He added that if fake CCTVs are designed properly, there’s really no way a would-be litter-bug can determine if the camera is real or not.

Mohd Hasry also does not rule out mixing dummy cameras with real cameras to give the illusion of thorough video surveillance coverage.

An aerial view of Sg Kedondong in Batang Kali. (Credit: Fernando Fong)

Aiming For Education Instead of Punishment

Littering has been a problem in recreational areas. Not only because it is unsightly but also for environmental reasons.

But education, not punishment, is the solution to civic-mindedness.

There is no doubt that we need to deter people from littering. But it is pointless to punish the public if they do not learn to be self-disciplined.
Majlis Perbandaran Hulu Selangor (MPSH) president Mohd Hasry Nor Mohd

He said the locals are very environmentally conscious, but visitors from outside are far less considerate.

Volunteers cleaning up Sg Kedondong in Batang Kali. (Credit: Fernando Fong)

Their numbers have increased significantly following the lifting of restrictions on outdoor recreational activities.

Fast-food packaging and drinks can are the most common litters.

Mohd Asry was speaking at a river cleanup at Sungai Kedondong in Batang Kali with volunteers on Tuesday.

Sg Kedondong in Batang Kali. (Credit: Fernando Fong)

The activity – jointly organized with MR. D.I.Y. – also involved personnel and volunteers from the Forestry Department, Drainage and Irrigation Department, Department of Orang Asli Development and Orang Asli from nearby villages.

They also installed public signage to remind the public to keep the area clean.

A warm-up session during the cleanup. (Credit: Fernando Fong)

Always Caring For Mother Nature

MR. D.I.Y. chairman Datuk Azlam Shah Alias said the company is glad to play its parts in preserving mother nature.

We are committed to ensure that parks, rivers and nature spots are protected for a sustainable future for all Malaysians. This starts with educating the public to keep these areas pristine, and leaving as little negative impact as possible.
MR. D.I.Y. chairman Datuk Azlam Shah Alias

MR. D.I.Y. chairman Datuk Azlam Shah Alias leading by example at Sg Kedondong. (Credit: Fernando Fong)

Azlam said Malaysia-based home improvement retailer is also doing its part by introducing reusable bags in its stores.

In just three months, from July to September this year – about 120,000 reusable were purchased by MR. D.I.Y. customers.

This demonstrated that the public is responsive to taking a more sustainable approach to their activities, and we look forward to more opportunities for them to do so.
MR. D.I.Y. chairman Datuk Azlam Shah Alias