(From left) Murali, Ummi Kalthum and Zulkifli presenting a token of appreciation to Law after the operation at Petaling Street, Kuala Lumpur.
MORE checks will be conducted on trading sites in Kuala Lumpur to ensure proper separation of waste prior to collection and disposal.
Solid Waste Management and Public Cleansing Corporation (SWCorp) Federal Territories director Ummi Kalthum Shuib said the requirement for separation at source had been in force since 2015, but many traders have yet to comply fully.
“This year, we will be giving reminders and conducting checks on trading sites,” she said during a visit to Petaling Street, Kuala Lumpur.
Ummi Kalthum said traders there were required to separate recyclables by 11pm daily for collection by Alam Flora workers.
“We will advise those who fail to do so,” she said, adding that traders were also encouraged not to use single-use plastics.
During Ramadan, which is expected to start on March 23, she said SWCorp would send its personnel to check on bazaars.
“We will conduct checks on trading sites under the Federal Territories Free Trade Zone initiative too,” she added.
Kuala Lumpur Fire and Rescue Department director Nordin Pauzi, who joined the operation, advised traders to observe safety procedures at all times.
He reminded them to ensure the electrical wiring installed met safety standards and to have fire extinguishers at hand.
“Flammables must be stored in a safe place,” he said, adding that adhering to safety standards was mandatory to obtain an operating licence.
During the operation, SWCorp distributed 600 mandarin oranges to traders and customers in conjunction with Chinese New Year.
Also present were SWCorp deputy chief executive officers for management and technical departments respectively Murali Jayabalan and Zulkifli Tamby Chik, as well as Kuala Lumpur Hawkers and Small Traders Association representative Law Chee Hong.
On a related matter, Ummi Kalthum said SWCorp would increase checks at residential areas to ensure separation at source.
“For stratified residences, a reminder will be given to management bodies if they fail to comply.
“If they fail to do so, they could be issued a compound of up to RM1,000,” she said.
