SHAH ALAM: The Selangor government will be undertaking several short-term measures, including monitoring of waste hotspot areas and increasing collection frequencies in high-traffic areas, to address waste management issues in the state.
This comes following the rebuke by Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah regarding the poor level of cleanliness and waste management in several local authority (PBT) areas in the state.
“The Selangor government takes full note and appreciates His Majesty’s remarks,” state local government and tourism committee chairman Datuk Ng Suee Lim said in a statement on Tuesday (Dec 16).
“It is a valuable reminder to the state government and all PBTs to ensure that cleanliness issues are not taken lightly, as it directly affects the people’s well-being, the city or town’s image, public health and the state government’s reputation.”
As such, he said several short-term measures will be strengthened immediately to address the matter, including: comprehensive mapping and monitoring of waste hotspot areas, increasing collection frequencies in high-density and high-traffic areas, coordinating bulk waste collection and strengthening PBT field supervision.
“We have also ordered that each waste hotspot have a person or party in charge to continuously monitor the site and take follow-up action if the problem recurs,” said Ng.
“A more comprehensive long-term plan is being finalised, particularly regarding the implementation of solid waste management under the Solid Waste Management and Public Cleansing Act 2007 (Act 672) in Selangor.”
In terms of long-term planning, he said that the development of the waste-to-energy (WTE) plants is being done in stages.
The WTE project in Jeram, Kuala Selangor, is currently in the final phase of construction and is expected to begin operating in early 2026, while the WTE project in Tanjung Dua Belas is targeted for completion in December 2027.
“This initiative is part of the transition towards a more sustainable and integrated solid waste management system, in line with the implementation of the Solid Waste Management and Public Cleansing Act 2007,” said Ng.
“While awaiting the finalisation and signing of the implementation of Act 672 by the Selangor government, all PBTs are directed to optimise existing powers, resources and capabilities to ensure that the level of public cleanliness is always maintained and does not affect citizens’ day-to-day lives.
“The Sultan of Selangor’s remarks will be used as a basis for continuous improvement, and efforts will be intensified to ensure Selangor remains a clean and liveable state,” he said.
Sultan Sharafuddin had, on Dec 11, voiced deep concern over the worsening cleanliness in Selangor, saying he had received numerous complaints and wanted immediate action to restore the state's image.
“In the past, when people wrote to me, they often left out their names and contact details, but now they provide their full personal information. They want to be contacted.
“They also attach photographs to substantiate their complaint. They show proof.
“One even blogged about the situation with an open letter to me, out of desperation to get my attention," His Royal Highness said in an exclusive interview with Bernama.
"I am fed up, really. It's time the councils clean up their act.”
