Do your bit, Khalid tells KL folk

Lee Chi Leong Lee Chi Leong Updated 7 years ago · Published on 9 Dec 2018 7:00AM · 5 Comments

Federal Territories Minister Khalid Abdul Samad says DBKL has to deal with rubbish-clogged drains every month due to residents throwing out their trash irresponsibly. – The Malaysian Insight file pic, December 9, 2018.

SOME of the issues plaguing Kuala Lumpur can be resolved if city folk play their part, said Khalid Abdul Samad.

The Federal Territories minister cited the flash floods that frequently hit the capital.

“That is not entirely Kuala Lumpur City Hall’s (DBKL) fault,” he said during an interview with The Malaysian Insight.

Khalid said DBKL has to deal with rubbish-clogged drains every month due to residents throwing out their trash irresponsibly.

“Most of the time, rubbish clogs the drains. Our drainage system and water-retention ponds can deal with floods, but they are often clogged with rubbish.”

DBKL removes “tonnes” of garbage from a major water-retention pond each month, he said, without naming the pond.

“The government has to tackle this sort of problem head-on and take enforcement action to penalise those responsible.

“Local council enforcement officers are always on standby. They know the hotspots, and the problem is always rubbish.

“Some of the trash floats up when it rains. Garbage from all over the place enters the drainage system when it rains. This is the problem we are facing now.”

Federal Territories Minister Khalid Abdul Samad says if there is a way to monetise rubbish, people may be less inclined to litter. – The Malaysian Insight file pic, December 9, 2018.

Khalid said the garbage comprises mostly food and plastic bottles – and sometimes tyres – which shows the public’s lack of civic consciousness.

“The people of Kuala Lumpur should play their part, too. You cannot rely solely on the local council or government departments.

“To some extent, this is a symptom of the people’s lifestyle. Not just Malaysians, we all know there are many foreign labourers in the country, and we need to educate all of them.”

If there is a way to monetise rubbish, he said, people may be less inclined to litter.

Khalid said the ministry spends RM260 million on waste management annually.

He said since becoming minister, he understands the needs of Kuala Lumpur folk, and hopes that the new Pakatan Harapan government can manage the city better and further develop it.

“People want the issue of traffic congestion resolved. They’ve raised the issues of cleanliness, more parking spaces, more open spaces… so that the people of Kuala Lumpur can have a better quality of life,” he said of what he learnt from engaging residents. – December 9, 2018.

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Comments

  • Should follow Singapore method, send enforcement officer around KL, and catch those simply throw rubbish, and fine them heavily.

    Posted 7 years ago by Tiong Fee Chua · Reply

  • Should follow Singapore method, send enforcement officer around KL, and catch those simply throw rubbish, and fine them heavily.

    Posted 7 years ago by Tiong Fee Chua · Reply

  • Should follow Singapore method, send enforcement officer around KL, and catch those simply throw rubbish, and fine them heavily.

    Posted 7 years ago by Tiong Fee Chua · Reply

  • Should follow Singapore method, send enforcement officer around KL, and catch those simply throw rubbish, and fine them heavily.

    Posted 7 years ago by Tiong Fee Chua · Reply

  • Was in Kemaman, Terengganu yesterday and was surprised to see how clean the town was. No rubbish on the roads, the back lanes were squeeky clean, the corridors of the shops were squeeky clean, rubbish bins everywhere, plants on the roads were trimmed and grass cut. There was a big sign that says RM10 on the spot fine for littering. Spoke to the shopkeepers and they say the enforcement officers are always around so they have to obey the law. See how important enforcement is and it works. Kudos to the Kemaman town council.!!

    Posted 7 years ago by Lily Cheong · Reply