Activating Laws is Better than Imposing Fees

TDT | Manama
Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com

I recently watched a video by an Arab resident of South Korea showcasing the country’s meticulous waste disposal system. Every individual is required to sort their garbage before discarding it, ensuring that each type of waste is placed in its designated bin. For example, paper is separated from cardboard, and different types of plastic must be disposed of in specific containers—plastic bags in one place and plastic containers, depending on their size, in another.

The video creator highlighted that waste disposal areas are monitored by surveillance cameras 24/7. If someone violates these stringent regulations, authorities review the footage to identify the offender, who is then confronted with evidence and fined—sometimes significantly. Additionally, garbage bags contain codes that can trace the owner, reinforcing accountability.

This video led me to reflect on citizens’ concerns regarding fees, which have become a financial burden for everyone, regardless of whether they abide by the rules or not. Instead of increasing fees across the board, implementing and enforcing fines could provide a valuable source of revenue for the government. Those who violate regulations should bear the consequences, while law-abiding citizens remain unaffected.

The benefits of enforcing existing laws would be substantial. In Bahrain, we already have regulations in place, but many remain unenforced. For instance, fines for littering on streets and roads have yet to be fully implemented. As a result, garbage continues to pile up, with no deterrent for those who litter. Public trash bins often remain empty while waste accumulates around them, especially in residential areas, waiting for cleaning crews to clear it away.

Rather than raising fees, why not enforce fines on violators? South Korea’s approach provides a successful model that we can learn from to maintain cleaner and more beautiful streets.

The same principle applies to traffic violations. The presence of poorly maintained vehicles, particularly delivery cars without proper lighting, as well as the widespread use of mobile phones while driving, poses significant risks. Many offenders continue these behaviors, confident that they will not face penalties. However, with simple technological measures, we could ensure stricter adherence to traffic laws while simultaneously boosting state revenue.

In 2023, Bahrain’s traffic department collected approximately 11 million dinars in fines. If comprehensive road surveillance were implemented, this figure could potentially double, leading to fewer traffic accidents and an overall improvement in public safety and daily life. By prioritizing the enforcement of existing laws rather than imposing additional fees, we can create a fairer and more efficient system—one that benefits both the government and the public.