IT IS encouraging to read about various measures undertaken by Subang Jaya City Council (MBSJ) to improve the township’s landscape and cleanliness.
The recent announcement of a tree-felling, pruning and waste-clearing exercise over six months is a welcome step (StarMetro article “MBSJ blitz on high-risk trees”).
However, as a local resident, I must note that the overall tree management and cleaning programme has deteriorated over the years, despite these services being privatised to improve efficiency.
While general waste collection runs on schedule in my area, there is a distinct lack of thoroughness when it comes to clearing rubbish and green waste.
Debris − particularly plastics, tree branches, leaves and grass cuttings − is frequently left behind, eventually washing into and clogging drains.
There seems to be no regular schedule for green waste collection at all; instead, it appears to be carried out only after a formal complaint is registered.
Rats and cockroaches are also a common sight near commercial areas because of broken and clogged drains.
Perhaps it might be a good idea to station dumpsters or large bins at strategic sites, so that residents can dump bulky waste for ease of collection.
While tree-cutting and pruning remain ongoing exercises, urgent attention must be directed towards trees with electricity and telephone cables running through them.
Currently, lodging complaints with MBSJ’s call centre regarding tree pruning, felling or clearing services can be ineffective, as residents are occasionally told to contact the contractors directly to request action.
The relevant department within MBSJ should instead manage these coordination efforts internally.
By overseeing the contractors and implementing stricter on-the-ground supervision, the city council can ensure the work is carried out both safely and efficiently.
A Report Card system for feedback on the services rendered might be one way to monitor the effectiveness of cleaning services in Subang Jaya.
I hope these observations are taken positively to improve the cleanliness and well-being of the township.
Concerned Resident
Subang Jaya
