Malaysians have been asked to dry their laundry away from public view as hanging clothes could adversely affect the image of the country’s towns and cities.

Guidelines on the practice of hanging laundry out to dry at high-rise buildings will be issued to local authorities, Deputy Prime Minister Najib Razak has said adding they would be enforced next year.

“The haphazard way practiced currently can adversely affect the image of our towns and country,” he was quoted as saying by news reports here.

He added that if the guidelines were ineffective, the government would consider amending existing acts for more effective enforcement of the ruling.

Local authorities will be responsible for informing residents about the new restrictions on drying laundry. They have to also ensure that housing developers provide conducive spaces for drying clothes in new condominiums, apartments and flats.

Developers of existing high-rise residences will have to provide each unit with alternatives ways to dry the clothes, the reports said.

The deputy premier also said billboards displayed along the roads should adhere to regular sizes as it was not only easier on the eyes but also safer.

Local authorities must also ensure that billboards were erected a certain distance from each other, he noted adding that they would be prohibited from junctions and near traffic lights.

PTI
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