IPOH: SHAPE up or ship out — this was the terse message by Ipoh mayor Datuk Harun Rawi to independent cleaning contractors who were responsible for the upkeep of the city’s cleanliness.

Harun said that any independent cleaning contractor who performs badly will either get a cut in their payment, a warning letter, or their contract terminated.

“I want all councillors to report to me on the performance of contractors in their respective zones.

“If their service is not up to our standards, we will not hesitate to act against them,” he said after chairing the Ipoh City Council’s full-board meeting here, recently.

Harun said the council had started taking action against errant contractors in July last year.

“Three contractors had their services terminated last year, while another two were given warning letters this year. We will monitor their work regularly.”

The state government had recently instructed local councils in Perak to re-evaluate the services of independent cleaning contractors in their jurisdiction.

An independent cleaning contractor is tasked with trimming the grass, cleaning the surrounding areas and drains, as well as collecting and disposing of rubbish in their designated areas.

On a separate note, Harun said the council recently launched the “Pematuhan Pembersihan Lot Semak Samun Sendiri (Kendiri)” programme where owners of empty houses or vacant lots can select a contractor, recommended by the council, to clean up their premises for a reasonable charge.

“A list of contractors is displayed on the council’s website at www.mbi.gov.my.

“Alternatively, they can call 05-208 3291 for details. A notice will be given to owners who fail to keep their premises clean. If they ignore the notice, they will be slapped with a compound ranging from RM250 to RM1,000.”

Since January this year, the council has issued some 7,646 notices to property owners.

-NST