The Kuching South City Council (MBKS) has clarified its continuous enforcement against illegal moneylender advertisements following recent remarks by Mr. Michael Kong suggesting lapses in council action.
In a statement, MBKS Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng emphasized that the council has been proactively removing illegal posters and stickers across Kuching South as part of its daily operations, not only in response to public attention. Photographs released by the council show enforcement officers actively removing such advertisements on 21 August, prior to Mr. Kong’s statement.
“Enforcement work has been ongoing, consistent, and proactive,” said Dato Wee, stressing that the council’s actions follow the Local Authorities (Advertisements) By-Laws, 2012. Offenders can face fines of up to RM5,000, imprisonment of up to six months, and additional fines for continuing offences.
However, Dato Wee noted that tackling illegal moneylending syndicates cannot rely solely on local councils. “These operators are organised, mobile, and often operate across boundaries. Effective eradication requires collaboration among the police, councils, and other enforcement agencies,” he said.
He also questioned whether criticisms targeting MBKS and MPP were intended to resolve the issue or merely score political points. “Our teams have been doing their part daily, quietly and diligently, without seeking publicity,” he added.
MBKS reaffirmed its commitment to protecting public spaces and residents from illegal moneylending activities and welcomed cooperation with elected representatives and other agencies to ensure the problem is addressed comprehensively.
