Johor solid waste management problem critical

The Johor state government is urging for the Solid Waste Management and Urban Cleaning Act (Act 672) to be implement as soon as possible as the solid waste problem in the state is reaching a critical state.

The state Exco for local government, housing, public works and amenities, Ahmad Zahri Jamil said, any delays in implementing the Act will hinder its efforts improving the management of solid waste in the state.

Citing examples, he said that waste disposal sites in Batu Pahat, Kluang and Muar have already reached its maximum capacity.

“The public has been quick in accusing the local councils, SWM Environment Sdn. Bhd. (SWM) and the state government for failing to manage the waste collections efficiently even though we have been doubling our effort to do so”, he added.

“Hence, we hope the  Act will will be implemented soon to enable the public to enjoy a better service, said Ahmad Zahri who was officiating  SWM’s fleet of 10 new compactor dump trucks, yesterday.

Also present at the function is SWM’s executive director, Dr. Uzir Abdul Malik.

When the Act is fully implemented, it is expected that more sanitary solid waste disposal sites be opened and are equipped with environmental-friendly waste water control system to replace the existing conventional system.

Ahmad Zahri elaborated in saying that densely populated area like Johor Bahru produced some 1,100 tonnes of solid waste daily which requires an appropriate waste management system with the capacity to handle such huge volumes of waste.

He said, the state opined that a fully privatised waste management system needs to be included as a criteria in the NKRA assessment.

He concluded by saying that the state government will do its utmost to provide the necessary fund to assist local authorities in resolving their solid waste collection and disposal problems.

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In order to better manage these operators and to regulate the tripartite relationship between the Federal Government, private operators and the Local Authorities, it has been proposed that federal legislation be passed in the form of the Solid Waste Management Act.

There are two Solid Waste Management Act has been enacted in Malaysia which Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management Act 2007 (Act 672) and Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management Corporation Act 2007 (Act 673)

When the Solid Waste and Urban Cleansing Management Act 2007 (Act 672) comes into effect, the responsibilities of solid waste and public cleaning management currently undertaken by the local councils will then be taken over by the federal government through a new government set-up named Waste Management and Public Cleaning Corporation.