By Norrasyidah Arshad
SHAH ALAM, July 26 — The state government should find a new formula, including allocating funds, to KDEB Waste Management (KDEBWM) Sdn Bhd and ensure the agency is not overburdened and remains able to properly manage solid waste.
Bukit Melawati state assemblyman Juwairiya Zulkifly said all parties concerned wish for waste management services to be carried out as best as possible.
However, she noted that KDEBWM is bearing the burden at this point in time, including the collection of garbage or solid waste in areas operated by local authorities.
“They do it without any specific payment. If done on a voluntary basis, we cannot achieve the goal of becoming a clean state. The public is also likely to complain about garbage since not everyone would know the operational boundaries.
“We want the best yet do not delve into the relevant problems of insufficient workers and low cost. We must be fair and consider the economic situation, as well as find the best formula,” she said when debating the motion during the Selangor State Legislative Assembly session earlier today.
Meanwhile, Meru state assemblyman Mohd Fakhrulrazi Mokhtar suggested the state government release funds to enable KDEBWM to complete its tasks more smoothly and efficiently.
However, he said such additional funding would be unacceptable if derived from the raising of the assessment tax.
“I strongly object to any tax raises, but the state government can help. Local authorities have considerable capital so it can be used to help the people. We need to find a way that will not burden residents,” Mohd Fakhrulrazi said.
On her part, Subang Jaya state assemblyman Michelle Ng Mei Sze proposed the state government spearhead discussions to amend the Local Government Act 1976, in addition to looking at the entire ecosystem of garbage collection operations.
“KDEBWM’s performance must be improved. The company is not at fault here, but the matter needs to be looked at comprehensively so action can be taken,” she said.
Earlier on, Kampung Tunku state assemblyman Lim Yi Wei brought the motion to the assembly regarding KDEBWM’s services as reported by the National Audit Department (PAC) in 2019.
State executive councillor for local government Ng Sze Han said all proposals submitted will be examined to ensure Selangor’s waste management remains at an optimum level.
Yesterday, the Auditor-General’s Report on the Activities of the Selangor State Government Agencies and the Management of State Government Companies Year 2020 Series 1 revealed that KDEBWM did not practise four out of nine aspects of corporate governance.
