The Star, Tuesday August 28, 2012

Inefficient garbage collection

HEAPS of rubbish can be seen everywhere in Taman Kasturi in Cheras, Selangor, attracting flies and causing a nasty stench in the area.

Serdang MCA Public Complaints bureau chief Allan Liew Sin Kim said the residents and business operators in the area have resorted to throwing rubbish in public places, such as the road side and parking lots to keep their compounds clean.

“This illegal move is caused by the inefficiency of the rubbish collection contractors, who have reduced the number of collection days and do not follow a strict schedule.

“The people here do not know the exact days when rubbish will be collected. How are they to plan when to clear their rubbish?” he stressed.

Liew also commented that the move by Kajang Municipal Council (MPKj) to reduce the cost of waste management by reducing the number of collection days was a bad decision.

“Before the council took over the rubbish collection, the contractors collected rubbish in residential and commercial areas three and five times a week, respectively, but now they only collect two and three times a week.

Health risk: Liew showing one of the many heaps of rubbish left to rot in Taman Kasturi, Cheras.

 

“Although MPKj would save cost with the reduction in the number of collection days, clearly it is not benefiting the people.

“The dumping ground is an eyesore and poses a health risk.

“Bulk wastes have also not been collected for more than a month and have been left to rot by the side of Kasturi Tiara apartment.

“The apartment’s rubbish area is also overflowing with waste because the contactors have not made their collection in the last four days,” he said.

Liew said MPKj should not try to cut cost in waste management but instead invest more because it concerns the wellbeing of the public, which should be made a priority.

“I urge MPKj to ensure that the contractors increase the number of collection days and follow a schedule of the collection days strictly, depending on the area for the convenience of the people.

“Manpower should also be increased to improve efficiency,” he said.