Better waste management can save us RM1.9bil, says Noh

PUTRAJAYA: A better and more efficient way to manage solid waste and cleaning of public areas must be sought so that the Government need not “waste” RM1.9bil.

Urban Wellbeing, Housing and Local Government Minister Tan Sri Noh Omar said this was the amount allocated by the Government this year; far more than what was set aside for other purposes under the ministry, including repair works for public housing.

The amount is to manage solid waste and cleaning of public areas in states which have adopted the Solid Waste Management and Public Cleansing Act 2007 (Act 672).

They are Johor, Malacca, Negri Sembilan, Pahang, Kedah and Perlis, as well as Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya.

“I have asked SWCorp to look into how this can be done efficiently. I have been told they are currently doing an inventory on work done at public areas.

“Significant savings are expected to be made once there is a clearer picture of what needs to be done and when,” he said at the presentation of the excellent service award to 89 officers and staff of SWCorp.

The inventory includes determining the length or number of drains that need cleaning or how many times grass should be cut to ensure effectiveness and correct payments are made.

The cleaning of public areas takes up 60% of the budget allocated.

Noh said with such a big amount being spent, SWCorp must ensure the public “can see, feel and enjoy” their service.

Noh took a swipe at the Selangor government, saying that its decision not to become a signatory of Act 672 resulted in people facing cleanliness and health issues, particularly with the high number of dengue cases.