SINCE the Batu Arang waste-to- energy (WTE) project was announced, concern has grown over the risks of siting the facility close to existing residential areas and future housing developments.
Residents in Batu Arang and nearby townships – including Rawang, Tasik Puteri, Kota Puteri and Bandar Seri Coalfields – have voiced apprehension regarding potential impact on their health and devaluation of their property investments.
In light of these concerns, the government would be wise to evaluate alternative locations for the project.
One practical alternative is to site the WTE facility close to the Bukit Tagar landfill, which currently receives the bulk of municipal waste generated across Kuala Lumpur and Selangor.
Siting the plant adjacent to Bukit Tagar offers clear operational synergies for the recycling and incineration processes.
The landfill can supply large volumes of unsorted rubbish directly to the WTE facility, while non-combustible residue from the plant can be transferred back to the landfill.
This arrangement would yield significant savings in logistical efficiency and transportation costs, offering a win-win formula for both facilities.
There is ample unused land surrounding Bukit Tagar suitable for the WTE development.
Placing a WTE plant nearby is a logical choice that will avoid triggering public protests.
With waste volumes from residential, commercial and industrial zones expected to rise rapidly in the coming decades, WTE technology remains a necessary option to address the state’s growing garbage burden.
However, statewide recycling mechanisms require concurrent attention. The waste separation scheme touted in Selangor a few years ago has fallen dormant.
At present, recycling industries accept paper, cardboard, copper, aluminium, iron and steel, but routinely reject plastics and glass.
Recyclers cite low market value, the lightweight and bulky nature of plastic materials, and lack of acceptance by large-scale wholesalers as key reasons for the rejection.
This is puzzling, as demand for recycled plastic products should be high due to the Middle East conflict driving up petroleum prices worldwide.
Selangor government needs to investigate why local recycling industries continue to reject plastics.
Furthermore, state support is needed to assist smaller recycling firms through budgetary allocations and aid schemes to help them adopt better processing technology.
Ultimately, Selangor government needs to take the lead in implementing a comprehensive zero-waste system – a measure repeatedly advocated by Selayang MP William Leong – to promote sound environmental practices and safeguard the well-being of residents.
V. THOMAS
Sungai Buloh
