Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Mayor Dato Wee Hong Seng has fired a call to action at DAP Sarawak, urging the party to offer practical help rather than just criticizing, as the issue of illegal moneylender advertisements continues to plague the city.
Wee’s statement came in response to Michael Kong, special assistant to DAP Sarawak chairman Chong Chieng Jen, who had claimed that Kuching is still flooded with illegal moneylender ads despite enforcement efforts.
Describing the problem as a “cat-and-mouse game,” Wee explained that even after ads are removed, they often reappear overnight. He also highlighted the challenge faced by MBKS’ 40-strong enforcement team covering 61.53 square kilometres, balancing responsibilities from market inspections and hawker control to illegal dumping, building offences, dog licensing, and parking enforcement.
“Implying our officers are not doing their jobs is unfair. Our team works daily to remove illegal ads from streetlights, road signs, and public spaces,” he stressed.
MBKS has taken proactive measures, including reporting phone numbers and digital traces on the ads to the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC). Wee pointed out that since MCMC falls under a DAP Deputy Minister, Michael Kong could play a role in speeding up follow-ups from the agency.
“This isn’t just about removing stickers. Tackling illegal moneylenders requires coordinated action with multiple agencies, including MCMC and the police,” Wee added.
He concluded by urging collaboration over criticism, saying: “We invite those with the means to help us achieve tangible results for the public. Constructive engagement and shared responsibility always produce better outcomes than words alone.”
The council continues to encourage residents and community leaders to report illegal ads via the iPeople app or directly to the MBKS Enforcement Division, as part of ongoing efforts to keep Kuching clean and orderly.
