Residents irked by new trash pick-up plan

on behalf of Taman Selatan, Klang, residents, especially its senior citizens.

This housing area in Jalan Banting has been in existence for more than 40 years. Our rubbish collection has always been at the back of our houses. This was done as per the Klang Municipal Council (MPK) by-laws.

Even when residents embark on renovation projects, MPK would issue a notice that there must be proper garbage bins placed behind the house for safe and proper disposal of household waste.

The residents were happy with the system until late last year when we received unsigned MPK flyers stating that the garbage collection would be done in front of the house, effective Jan 1.

MPK did not seek the residents’ opinion or discuss this with the residents’ association’s committee members.

The residents, 70 per cent of whom are senior citizens, are upset and oppose this move as many of them have health issues, including arthritis, osteoarthritis, asthma and poor eyesight.

They fear that they may fall and hurt themselves while carrying the garbage bags from the back to the front street. To make matters worse, the garbage bags could fall and spill their contents. Besides, the houses are not built for front-street garbage pick-up.

The matter was raised with MPK president Datuk Mohamad Yasid Bidin by several residents, who submitted a protest petition and a list comprising more than 500 signatures.

Subsequently, a meeting was held with the residents in late January. Present were MPK Environment Services Department head Dawari Daud, state assemblyman Tony Leong Tuck Chee, MPK councillor M. Nalan and RA representatives from neighbouring housing estates who are also affected by the move.

Following the meeting, the front-street garbage collection plan was shelved until after the Chinese New Year.

Last month, another batch of unsigned flyers was distributed to the residents which stated that the front-street garbage collection plan would commence on April 1.

This time, RA representatives from four housing estates met the MPK president to protest against the move. After much discussion, the matter was again shelved for another three months.

Our representatives who attended the meeting said 27 photographs were produced (taken at various housing estates) showing obstruction in the back lanes such as parked vehicles and flower pots, making it difficult for garbage lorries to collect rubbish. Why didn’t the enforcement team take action against those responsible for the obstruction?

We learnt that MPK is using bigger garbage lorries. If there are bigger lorries, why are we being penalised for that?

Why wasn’t a study conducted before the purchase? It’s akin to buying a big plane for a small runway or big shoes to fit small feet.

Do residents have to pay the price for a mistake made by the state government and its subsidiary?

The council had over the past 40 years used three- to five-tonne lorries for garbage collection and now 30-tonne lorries are needed.

These large vehicles will damage the back lanes and drains.

We, the residents, are unanimously against the front-street garbage collection move and want MPK and the state government to resolve this problem.

The residents submitted their letter of protest to the state assemblyman, Selangor executive councillor in charge and the menteri besar last month.