Selangor Journal
KDEB Waste Management workers clearing a clogged drain during the Mega Cleaning Programme at Taman Sri Muda in Section 25, Shah Alam, on January 8, 2022. — Picture by HAFIZ OTHMAN/SELANGORKINI.

Over 3,000 tonnes of bulk waste removed in 10 days, more still to be cleared

By Mustakim Ramli

SHAH ALAM, Jan 26 — The second phase of the post-flood cleanup, which is scheduled to conclude in March, may take up to five months instead, said KDEB Waste Management (KDEBWM) managing director Ramli Mohd Tahir.

He said the delay is due to many people still disposing of flood waste, despite the expiry of the time period to do so on January 16.

“In the last 10 days alone, people are still disposing of garbage including beds, mattresses, and furniture by the roadside. No matter, as it is now KDEBWM’s responsibility.

“We cannot continue to go on like this since we have already entered the second phase in which we clear out ditches and the backyards of homes, but when this occurs, we have to deal with the bulk waste,” Ramli told SelangorKini.

He added that from January 16 until yesterday, KDEBWM has collected over 3,000 tonnes of flood waste.

“We are worried, seeing as how it rained heavily on Tuesday. We do not want to end up as the cause of water not flowing properly.

“We have to focus on the second phase of cleaning up. Because excess soil remains bwith sludge that stays in the drain, but when bulk garbage is still being thrown away, it slows down the second phase process,” he said.

Since January 8, KDEBWM has carried out the second phase by focusing on decontamination and clearing clogged ditches and drains.

The decontamination is conducted via effective microbiology technology, as a measure to prevent post-flood diseases.

The state government subsidiary company has been clearing flood-affected areas in Selangor since December 20 last year, in stages.

Up to 78,000 metric tonnes of bulk waste have been cleared away, with the cooperation of local authorities and other agencies, which concluded its first phase on January 7.

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