PETALING JAYA: KDEB Waste Management (KDEBWM) has pledged to improve its service delivery in Kajang after being fined RM35,000 by the local authority.
Kajang Municipal Council (MPKj) president Nazli Md Taib had announced the fine during the council's full board meeting on Thursday (July 24), citing a number of factors, including damaged roll-on, roll-off (Ro-Ro) bins and malfunctioning lorry compactors.
KDEBWM, in a statement, acknowledged the ongoing disruptions to the collection schedule.
Managing director Datuk Ramli Mohd Tahir also expressed his appreciation to the residents of Kajang for their patience at this challenging time.
“The primary issue stems from our ageing fleet, as most lorries have reached the end of their operational lifespan after nearly seven years of continuous service since our contract with MPKj started in July 2018.
"The current state of the fleet has led to frequent breakdowns and mechanical issues, further compounding delays,” he said.
To mitigate the impact, Rami said several short-term solutions have been implemented.
“We have engaged additional backup compactor lorries, though availability remains insufficient to fully cover the gaps. We are also deploying backup Ro-Ro lorries to supplement collection efforts. We will be actively seeking more backup resources to improve coverage in the interim,” he said.
For a permanent resolution, KDEBWM will introduce 92 new compactor lorries, significantly expanding its capacity by Sept 1 to service 92 zones, which is an increase from the current 59.
At the same time, KDEBWM voiced concerns on the poor road conditions at Jalan Langat Lestari, the main access road leading to the Tanjung Duabelas Sanitary Landfill in Kuala Langat.
Ownership of the 11km stretch of road leading to the landfill is shared between Worldwide Holdings Bhd and Selangor Public Works Department (JKR).
While the final 3km leading to the landfill has been kept in good condition, the remaining 8km stretch is filled with numerous craters and potholes, making for a rough ride for KDEBWM’s lorries during its daily trips.
Nazli, during the council meeting, did not discount that bad road conditions near Tanjung Dua Belas Sanitary Landfill were a contributing factor.
“However, malfunctioning compactor trucks will cease to be an issue after Aug 1 as we have entered into a new interim agreement with KDEB where their contractors will have to acquire new compactors,” he said.
