The Signs Are Messy In Johor Baru

Pre-war buildings in the city centre have been repainted and new walkways and leisure spots have been added to spruce up the city.

However, the authorities seem to be fighting a losing battle to rid Johor Baru of its major eyesore - illegal banners and posters that sprout up in public areas, housing estates, commercial centres and the roadside which invariably turn into unsightly messes. Not only are they an eyesore, the illegal banners also hinder the flow of traffic in the city.

In certain places, road signs were totally covered up with illegal posters, confusing motorists trying to locate addresses.

Even signs bearing road instructions have not been spared - mostly put up by money-lending businesses, legal and illegal.

A survey at various locations in Johor Baru showed that illegal posters and banners were everywhere despite efforts by the local council to remove them.

Even newly-developed areas were subjected to a "poster invasion" - especially those put up by contractors offering house renovation, wiring, plumbing, grille-fitting, landscaping and termite eradication services.

The new growth areas of Johor Baru at Ulu Tiram, Kempas, Masai/Pasir Gudang, Plentong, Bukit Indah and Gelang Patah, were practically overrun with the scourge.

A survey at Taman Pelangi Indah in Ulu Tiram showed a landscape festooned with advertisement posters affixed to every conceivable spot along roads, the side of buildings and road signs. Some of the illegal banners were even strung against billboards bearing licensed advertisements.

Saari Abu, 42, who lives in Jalan Menawan in the housing estate said: "This is not appropriate and a nuisance for residents here. The posters and banners are an ugly sight and mar the beauty of our housing estate.

"Why don't these advertisers use the newspapers, television or other legal advertising means available to them?"

The situation in Taman Molek along Jalan Masai was no different.

Francis Lai, 45, who lives in the area said: "Even the two stop signs near the One Molek Cafe have almost completely been covered with posters."

Passing along the row of shops where the cafe is located, one can see posters defacing the pillars of buildings, tree trunks, lamp posts and empty walls.

Lai said this irresponsible behaviour showed the lack of civic-mindedness among certain quarters of Johor society.

A spokesman from the Johor Baru City Council said those who wished to advertise should go to the council's Licensing and Hawkers Department on Level 8, Bangunan Tabung Haji, Jalan Ayer Molek.

"Our enforcement officers have been busy bringing down illegal banners. We will continue to clear the towns, parks and every nook and cranny of the city of these unsightly posters and banners."

A spokesman from the Johor Baru Central District Council Licensing Department said: "Anyone wishing to put up posters or banners at an area needs to obtain a license from the department. Unauthorised banners and posters will be torn down by our enforcement team."

February 11, 2008