Transitional period:local authorities must collect rubbish

DAP National Deputy Chairman and MP for Kepong Dr Tan Seng Giaw insists that the Ministry of Housing and Local Government directs all local authorities (LAs) to collect solid waste effectively.

During this transitional period, the management of solid waste is still the responsibility of LAs and the companies appointed in the process of privatization.

Dr Tan raised the issue on 4.12.2007 when Parliament debated the Supply Bill (2008 budget) at the committee stage with the allocation of RM 2.65 billion for the ministry. It should monitor the 144 LAs such as the City Hall Kuala Lumpur (CHKL) and Alam Flora. The Parliamentary Secretary for the ministry Datuk Dr S. Subramaniam replied to the matters raised by members.

In June this year, the House passed a series of amendment to the laws such as the Local Government Act to enable the Federal Government to take over the management of solid waste in the country. This will be enforced fully in April, 2008.

As we have reminded the ministry in the House, no sooner the laws are passed some LA officials regard the responsibility of rubbish disposal lies with the centre. So, they do not take the matter seriously. In some places such as the long house, Seri Segambut, Jinjang South, the uncollected rubbish makes life impossible for the residents. Despite repeated calls from the public, DBKL and Alam Flora don't seem to care.

We continue to remind DBKL and other LAs to collect all rubbish during this transitional period.
They must respond to the calls of the people.

Naturally, the habit of some people who simply throw rubbish makes matter worse. Would education and law enforcement help them to change their habit?

Besides collection of solid waste during the transitional period, the Government must be very careful in fixing the rate of payment for rubbish disposal. This will cause controversy.

Dr Tan Seng Giaw