Madang police to enforce no betelnut, no smoking law in CBD from Monday

Madang police will begin full enforcement of the 'No Betelnut chewing and No Smoking' law in the town's Central Business District tomorrow, Monday 2nd March; according to the Provincial Police Commander, Superintendent Robert Baim.

Mr Baim said there had been enough awareness carried out on this law, and there should be no more excuses for people to chew betelnut and smoke in town starting Monday week.

"There's no excuse for anyone that is coming into town to chew betelnut in the CBD area. Awareness has been going on. If you want to come into town, clean your mouth.

"The community- initiated voluntary cleanathon program is for everyone's benefit and not the police alone or the stakeholders involved in the program. It is not about the cleanliness of Madang Town only. It is also about your health as betelnut chewing can lead to cancer and can spread TB," Baim said.

He also re- emphasised that the law has been enacted by Parliament and that police officers as of Monday will start arresting those found violating this law.

The provincial police chief also expressed the need for everyone to take full responsibility for the town.

"Police alone cannot do this. We need your support, and you need our support. We work back to back and together, we can bring back Madang to its former glory days," he added.

Baim also extended a special appreciation to all schools that participated in the second cleanthon for this year.

"I want to thank the Education Director in the province, Alphonse Igag, for releasing the students to participate in the cleanathon.

"I am happy that the school children came out to take part as they are the very active population. They can either build or destroy society, and when they come out to participate in such activities, I ask you adults to respect them, and when you come into town, keep your mouths clean.

"If you want to smoke or chew, go to the designated areas," he said.

Superintendent Baim said cleanathon organisers are considering extending the program into the settlements by midyear.

To the settlers, Baim said, "If you can't clean your settlements, police will come and help clean it for you, and we find rubbish inside your house, we will also clean your house."

Baim explained that these are some initiatives they are taking to help change Madang Town into a better, clean and safer place for people to live in.

PPC Baim took time off his busy schedule yesterday (Saturday) and joined his policemen and women plus their families in the cleanathon for the first time since the program started last May.

Speaking to reporters after the cleanathon, Mr Baim said he was impressed with the turnout.