Image 10.2.1 A warning banner against littering in this area (Photo by Fidelia Beatrice)

Many of the locals actually know of the effects of littering, such as making the environment dirty, and pollution. They can see the dire effect that irresponsible littering cause on the environment around where they live. However, they proceed to litter away from the area of their residence. This is obvious because as I travel around Tanjung Balai Karimun, the area near the houses is mostly clean. However, rubbish will be accumulated near the seaside, and empty plot of land.

The people around the area will then be unhappy with the waste accumulated around their area. The community thus put up reminders and prompts, as seen from the images below where posters and signs with very rude or aggressive wordings, to deter people from littering around certain areas. The signs below can be translated into “Oh God, please take away the souls of those who litter in this place”.

Image 10.2.2 Signs to deter people from littering (Photo by Fidelia Beatrice)

Does it Work?

For reminders and prompts to work, they must be placed in the right place and at the right time to be effective. Prompts also work best in short time intervals. Framing of the words and message is also important.

As seen from the images above, the prompts are placed in the right place, which is directly where most people will litter, and it is also at the right time, to warn people against throwing their litter here. Many of my interviewees also feedbacked that the warnings are quite effective.

On the point of framing, however, most research mentioned that people are more accepting of words that are framed decently and in a positive light. Interestingly, most of the banners have very aggressive wordings which aim to instill fear. Even though it seems very ridiculous and somewhat impossible, the warnings actually worked. I think this is because, in the community where religion and karma are still very relevant, people are actually afraid of a higher being and curses. Therefore, messages that instill fear and stern reminder of a higher being actually helps to deter people from littering. At the same time, perhaps it is not difficult to find some other place with no warning signs to throw their rubbish.

One may argue whether this type of warning will work with people who are more educated and even free-thinker. However, considering the nature of the people in Tanjung Balai Karimun, for now, it is still quite effective.