Viral Photos Show Port Dickson Beach Littered With Trash A Few Days Into RMCO
The Port Dickson Municipal Council said the local authorities have received complaints about the trash on the beaches.
By Yap Wan Xiang — 15 Jun 2020, 06:51 PM
Not only has the implementation of the Movement Control Order (MCO) controlled the spread of COVID-19, it has also caused many parts of Malaysia to go through positive environmental changes
Sungai Melaka, Sungai Penang, and Sungai Klang are some of Malaysia's rivers that have recovered from pollutants and trash thrown into them after factories were told to shut down and the public was encouraged to stay at home.
Last month, prior to the introduction of Recovery Movement Control Order (RMCO), it was reported that there had been a spike in the number of sea turtles returning to beaches in Port Dickson as well.
However, it looks like the chain of good news is slowly coming into an end following the ease of restrictions.
Merely a few days after RMCO, photos emerged on social media showing Port Dickson's pearl-grey beach littered with trash.
In a post published on Friday. 12 June, 'Negeri Sembilan kini' on Facebook said Malaysian visitors are the root of pollution at tourist spots.
"During the MCO, Enhanced MCO, and Conditional MCO, this beach was clean, beautiful, and fresh. But once we enter the recovery phase, where the public is allowed to go to the beach, this is the result," read the post, with attached photos showing plastic food waste scattered all over the shoreline.
"Don't you dream of turtles coming here to lay eggs and spotting dolphins in the water again!"
The post claimed that the photos were taken three days after RMCO, which began on 10 June.
The local authorities have confirmed the matter
According to New Straits Times, Port Dickson Municipal Council president Mohd Zamri Mohd Esa said they have been receiving complaints about rubbish strewn along some beaches due to increased crowds.
"We will find a way to prevent people from littering the beaches besides stepping up enforcement and imposing fines. We will consider setting up closed-circuit television cameras," Zamri said.
Tourists enjoying themselves in Teluk Kemang, Port Dickson on Saturday, 13 June.
Image via Azrul Edham Mohd Aminuddin/New Straits TimesKeep practising social distancing and wash your hands often. Watch the latest update on the COVID-19 situation:
