Complaints over uncollected waste in Balakong fall on deaf ears

The Star, Wednesday January 23, 2013

By SURESH VELU
metro@thestar.com.my
Photo by LOW LAY PHON

Safety hazard: Rubbish accumulating in a commercial area is causing inconvenience to the public.

 

For nearly two years, rubbish collection and disposal in the Balakong area has been poorly enforced. This has resulted in piles of rubbish in inappropriate places and flooding due to illegal dumping.

According to Taman Megah Cheras Branch chairman Allan Liew Sin Kim, one such place is at the Seri Cheras Light Industry Area, where there have been numerous complaints.

A complainant, Madam Khoo said, “I complained on behalf of my boss when he could not find any parking,” referring to the parking bays that are covered with rubbish.

Liew said he was unable to do anything to address the complaints, except to direct them to the Kajang Municipal Council (MPKj).

“People have been complaining for three months but no action has been taken, and the councillor does not answer any of our calls.

“There’s rubbish everywhere in Balakong and it is worse in the commercial areas. The problem has been happening on and off for the last year or two, and the contractors only clear the rubbish when complaints are lodged.”

Rubbish collection is tendered out to contractors by MPKj. Before this, Alam Flora handled rubbish collection in the area.

“The contractors are selected based on their price quotes and small contractors tend to quote a lower price by cutting down collection times from six days a week to one.” Liew said.

“MPKj should be more concerned about the environment, safety and hygiene rather than looking at how much it can save,” he added.