Khairul Amir trying his hand at operating the battery-powered leaf blower.
TAIPING Municipal Council wants to replace its petrol-powered leaf blowers with battery-powered ones to achieve low carbon city status by 2030.
Its president Khairul Amir Mohamad Zubir said the council planned to change to battery-powered blowers in phases.
“We have bought just one battery-powered blower as our pioneer project for the maintenance and clean-up works.
“Our plan is to replace the petrol-powered blowers in stages by 2025,” he said after chairing the council’s full board meeting.
Khairul Amir said battery power would later be used for other equipment if the move was found to be viable.
The council currently has 24 petrol-powered leaf blowers.
He said the petrol-powered equipment used has been found not to be environmentally-friendly.
“They leave a carbon footprint, which can be detrimental to the environment.
“The new equipment will not emit these dangerous gases.
“It is also less noisy at 61db compared to the petrol-powered blower that can create noise up to 91db,” he said.
Khairul Amir also said that battery power was more cost effective as the council would spend about RM104 a year compared to RM737 currently being spent for petrol.
“This initiative is in line with our sustainable development and smart environment goals as components of a smart city,” he added.
On a separate matter, Khairul Anuar said all business premises are encouraged to fly the Jalur Gemilang and light up their buildings in conjunction with the 65th National Day.
“Flying the flag symbolises our struggle for independence,” he said. — By IVAN LOH
