Make use of designated sites for joss paper burning, SMC calls on Sibu folks

SIBU (Aug 17): There has been a low rate of compliance with the regulations on joss paper burning here, Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) General Purpose and Community Services Standing Committee chairperson councillor Donna Petrus Ngelai remarked.

According to her, SMC has designated three locations for the joss paper burning from Aug 15 to 18 during the Hungry Ghost Festival this year, with 30 drums being provided at various locations.

In a press conference on Aug 9, SMC named Jalan Pahlawan / Jalan Dr Wong Soon Kai; Jalan Lada / Jalan Tun Ahmad Zaidi Adruce roundabout; and Jalan Wawasan (near Kolej Laila Taib) as the three designated locations.

“The compliance seems to be low. For the three designated burning areas where we provided the drums, only one designated location at Jalan Wawasan has been used,” she disclosed.

“Indiscriminate burning of paper offerings is still being carried out at non-designated areas, such as along Jalan Merdeka-Brooke Drive traffic junction (near to Sibu Specialist Centre).

“I hope all will conduct proper burning at the designated locations as we have already prepared drums for this offering purpose, and these drums in the three locations will be removed this Monday,” she said.

Towards this end, she expressed her hope for better compliance and cooperation from Sibu folks to keep the town clean.