28/12/2025

NATIONAL 4 theSun on Sunday DEC 28, 2025

Waste collection snags addressed

Poor drainage contributing to flood risks PETALING JAYA: Urban design limitations, fragmented waste management systems and outdated drainage infrastructure are among the factors contributing to waste disposal and flood challenges in Selangor, experts said. Universiti Teknologi Mara urban and town planning expert Dr Noraini Omar Chong said recurring refuse problems were not due to waste collection issues alone, as solid waste management in Selangor remains decentralised and handled by local councils rather than under a long-term federal concession model. “For Selangor, Penang and several other states, solid waste management has not been placed under the federal concession system. It is still managed by local authorities and the state government, which is why issues related to contractor changes occur,” she told theSun via phone. Noraini said the absence of long-term concession arrangements meant contractors were appointed through shorter cycles, increasing the likelihood of disruptions during transitions. “This does not mean that the federal model is necessarily better, but it explains why contractor changes happen more frequently. The Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management Corporation is currently studying the strengths and weaknesses of both systems. “Domestic waste is the largest contributor. That is why door-to-door collection becomes problematic. What is more important is reducing waste generation and implementing source separation.” Noraini said states that have adopted source separation practices, including scheduled collection of wet and recyclable waste, showed more structured waste flows, adding that over-reliance on public bins could reinforce littering behaviour. “From a planning perspective, we encourage fewer bins, not more. Waste is generated by individuals, and behaviour and mindset play a big role.” She also pointed to smart city initiatives, such as sensor-equipped bins that emit a signal when they are full, as one way to improve collection efficiency, citing pilot implementations in Putrajaya. Meanwhile, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia environmental and water systems researcher Assoc Prof Dr Nor Eliza Alias said her research showed that waste accumulation in drains increased significantly with population growth and was a major contributor to flash floods. – By Faiz Ruzman

Contingency measures in place to deal with hitches during contract

expiry, renewal transitory period Ű BY FAIZ RUZMAN newsdesk@thesundaily.com

PETALING JAYA: Local councillors in Selangor have attributed recurring litter and uncollected waste complaints to contractor turnover and uncertainty surrounding the expiry of the state’s centralised waste management contracts. The revelation follows remarks by Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah on widespread public grievances over cleanliness in urban areas throughout the state. Subang Jaya municipal councillor Kamarul Hisham Yeop Hashim, who represents Zon 4 (Taman Perumahan TP 1-2, Taman Perindustrian UEP (TP 3 6), Taman Perindustrian USJ 1 and USJ 1-6), said waste-related complaints in his area are received daily, amounting to hundreds this year. “This situation has become more serious because the current contract is nearing its end. It has been in place for seven years. “Before this, waste management was handled directly by local councils, which appointed and managed their own contractors. “The contract between the contractor and all local councils will expire at the end of this year. It was signed in 2018, and it is now approaching expiry, so we are in the process of preparing a new contract,” Kamarul told theSun via phone yesterday. He also expressed concern about instability among contractors. “Some contractors may already know their contracts will not be renewed, or that they are underperforming. As a result, they stop performing. We have seen cases in which they simply disappear overnight,” he said. Kamarul said the Subang Jaya City

Kamarul said backup lorries sourced from other contractors have been deployed to prevent waste from being left uncollected. – SYED AZAHAR SYED OSMAN/THESUN

“When new contractors come in, they may not be familiar with entry and exit routes, so some locations were missed initially. “Usually in the first one or two months, there may be issues. After that, once they are familiar with the area, there are no further problems. “At apartment areas, garbage trucks are sometimes blocked. The lorry access is blocked and vehicles are parked improperly. So, sometimes the trucks cannot enter,” Suriase said when contacted. He said complaints were acted on promptly once received, with the Petaling Jaya City Council also having backup contractors on standby. In a recent interview with Bernama, Sultan Sharafuddin said he had received numerous complaints from residents across Klang, Petaling Jaya, Ampang and Subang, many accompanied by photographs. The Sultan stressed the need for accountability, measurable cleanliness standards and a review of waste management contracts, warning that clogged drains were among the causes of persistent flooding and property damage.

Council has discussed the issue with the contractor and activated contingency measures, including deploying backup lorries sourced from other contractors to prevent waste from being left uncollected, although this involved additional costs. He rejected suggestions that the problem was caused by shortage of lorries or bins, saying fleet size and inventory were calculated based on household numbers and area size during the contract awarding process. “Complaints come in every day, especially in my zone. Waste issues are discussed during monthly health committee meetings, and top management (from the contractor firm) is involved when matters are urgent,” he said. Meanwhile, Petaling Jaya municipal councillor Suriase Gengiah, who represents Zone 1 covering PJU 8 (Damansara Perdana), PJU 9 (Bandar Sri Damansara) and PJU 10 (Damansara Damai), said complaints in his area were comparatively limited, estimated at about three cases this year. He said lapses were mainly linked to contractor changes, particularly during the early transition period.

Penang fair aims to draw 500,000 visitors GEORGE TOWN: Pesta Pulau Pinang, which is held every year, continues to be a highly anticipated event not only for locals but also for residents of northern states regardless of race, religion and background. The festival not only offers entertainment and various and 5.30pm to 12 midnight on weekends and public holidays. He said this edition features several elements and improvements, targeting 500,000 visitors compared with 350,000 last year.

every day. “We also have 17 semi extreme games and 18 other games that are specifically for the whole family. In terms of safety, everything that is available at the Pesta Pulau Pinang has been inspected as required by the Occupational Safety and Health Committee.” He said this edition maintains the lighting concept to add excitement and create an attractive atmosphere for visitors and has more photo booths and photo corners to provide a new experience for visitors to capture the best moments. – Bernama

modern artistes such as Kristal, Hattan, Zamani, XPDC, Awie, Ella, Ukays, Ara Johari and Haziq, apart from ‘Malam Pesta Berselawat’ with nasyid groups such as Inteam, UNIC with Ustaz Don. “The performances will take place at the arena every night throughout Pesta Pulau Pinang.” Khairusany said his committee is also collaborating with KCA Amusement Entertainment, which brings in high-tech games from Europe, including “Air Force”, to give visitors the opportunity to try out unique experiences and challenges

regulations set and that there are no overpriced items.” Khairusany said the 8.14ha festival site also features mini parks and pavilions for state agencies such as the State Secretariat Office, Penang Island City Council and the Penang Development Corporation. He said there is also a diplomatic relations factor, presented through the Thailand, North Sumatra, West Sumatra and Acheh pavilions, which also offer food and traditional clothing for sale. “Among other attractions are performances by retro and

More than 80 exhibitors and stalls selling food and drinks, not only from Penang but also from several other states and countries are operating at the site. “The prices offered are reasonable. In fact, we are working with the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry to conduct continuous monitoring to ensure traders comply with the

interesting events but has also been a symbol of unity for the diverse community. Pesta Pulau Pinang committee manager Dr Khairusany Mohamed Yusof said the 59th Pesta Pulau Pinang began on Dec 6 and will continue until Jan 10 from 6pm to 11pm on weekdays