By Selangor Journal Team
SHAH ALAM, April 24 — Domestic waste collection across Selangor recorded a significant decrease throughout the first week of Hari Raya Aidilfitri compared to last year.
KDEB Waste Management Sdn Bhd (KDEBWM) managing director Datuk Ramli Mohd Tahir attributed this to the higher number of people returning to their respective hometowns this year.
He said this is evident from the higher traffic volume reported on major roads and highways during this year’s holiday period, particularly those leaving the Klang Valley to other parts of the peninsular.
“Some of my staff were stuck on the road for 18 to 20 hours when returning to Kelantan,” he told reporters during KDEBW’s Aidilfitri open house at Shah Alam Convention Centre, here, yesterday.
“I believe this year’s celebration was more lively based on the sheer number of vehicles leaving Selangor to return to their hometowns.”
Ramli said based on data, KDEBWM collected about 4,000 tonnes of domestic waste a day during the first few days of Aidilfitri compared to almost 7,000 tonnes last year.
He added that Kajang recorded the highest density of waste collection among all municipalities in the state during the festive period, due to its size.
“On average, we usually collect approximately 900 tonnes of waste daily in Kajang. And even though the number dropped by about 40 per cent (during Aidilfitri), we still collected about 600 tonnes of waste daily,” he said.
Meanwhile, Ramli said two more automated drive–through recycling centres (ATDReC) will be launched in Selangor later this year.
“These centres are built to facilitate the public in disposing of recyclable waste in a more convenient location. Payment transactions for recycled items are processed within 48 hours.
“So far, we only have one centre operating in Sepang, and we expect two more to be operational in two other local councils soon.”
In March, it was announced that the first ARDTReC was opened to the public in Cyberjaya to make it easier for them to recycle as well as create awareness.
