Cover image via Dewan Bandaraya Kuching Utara (Facebook)
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The Kuching North City Hall (DBKU) has issued a warning after a TikTok trend emerged, showing people hanging from street signs and lamp posts to the song Maui Wowie by American rapper Kid Cudi
In a Facebook post on Wednesday, 12 November, DBKU said it has taken note of videos showing three individuals climbing onto public roadside structures to participate in the trend.
"DBKU takes such actions seriously as they not only endanger personal safety, but can also damage public property and tarnish the image of Kuching," it said.
The city hall said it may take action under By-Law 22(1)(b) of the Local Authorities (Cleanliness) By-Laws 1999, which prohibits the placing of any materials, including stickers or posters, on road signs without permission.
"Anyone found committing this offence may be charged under By-Law 22(2) and, if convicted, may be fined RM1,500, with an additional RM3,000 fine for subsequent offences, or face imprisonment of up to nine months for each subsequent offence," it added.
Screengrabs of videos showing the three individuals who dangled from city infrastructure.
Image via Dewan Bandaraya Kuching Utara (Facebook)DBKU said it has also lodged a police report over the individuals' "inappropriate and improper behaviour" for further investigation under public order laws
The city hall stressed that such behaviour is a serious breach of social etiquette and decorum, and will not be tolerated.
It urged the public to act responsibly and respect public facilities, adding that community cooperation is essential to keeping Kuching clean, safe, harmonious, and liveable.
Singapore's Land Transport Authority (LTA) also recently issued a similar warning, urging social media users not to hang from traffic lights or street signs to attempt the trend
"Fun's fun, but our road infrastructure isn't a playground. It helps facilitate travel and keeps everyone safe. Please don't use them as props for social media. Let's keep our roads safe," it said in an Instagram post last month.
