Out it goes: Workers collecting discarded furniture that were damaged by the floods during a clean-up operation in Johor Baru.
JOHOR BARU: More than 300 metric tonnes of solid waste –that’s the aftermath of Johor’s floods, with furniture making up the bulk of discarded items so far.
From damaged sofas to broken cabinets, flood-hit residents are tossing out their household belongings by the truckloads as the massive clean-up continues.
SWM Environment Sdn Bhd corporate general manager Mohd Norlisam Mohd Nordin said a huge amount was collected within the first five days of the operation which began on Friday.
“There were cupboards, cabinets, bed frames, sofas, chairs and mattresses. Over five days, some 50 to 60 metric tonnes of debris were collected each day,” he said yesterday.
Mohd Norlisam said the areas with high waste collection included Taman Tampoi Indah, PPR Desa Mutiara, Kampung Seri Jaya and Kampung Seri Serdang here.
“The clean-up involved about 200 workers. We also deployed 40 of our machinery such as roll-on roll-off (Roro) lorries and backhoe to assist. We are hoping to get everything done before Hari Raya,” he said.
Norlisam advised flood victims and volunteers to place the debris in front of their homes to ease collection.
“Two temporary transfer sites have been opened in Taman Tampoi Indah and Kampung Pasir for the collection of waste.
“This is to help with house-to-house cleaning. From these two temporary sites, the waste will be sent directly to the landfill,” he said.
Norlisam said the firm would provide free replacements of wheelie bins that were damaged or washed away by the floods, adding that online applications could be made at www.swm-environment.com.
“If the bin is lost due to the floods, the applicant must file a police report and attach a copy of it with the online application,” he added.
State housing and local government committee chairman Datuk Mohd Jafni Md Shukor said the post-flood clean-up operation was proceeding smoothly, adding that the total amount of waste was expected to reach 500 tonnes.
“The state government has taken note of the logistical challenges and is working to improve coordination to ensure that the flood debris is managed more effectively,” he said in thanking all involved for their assistance.
Mohd Jafni called for close cooperation between residents and local authorities in reporting areas that still need attention.
