3 years after waste separation made a must, public attitude still stinks

Updated 4 years ago · Published on 27 Nov 2019 10:03AM · 4 Comments

There must be more programmes to increase public awareness on the importance of waste separation to extract recyclable materials, says the Federal Territories SWCorp director. – The Malaysian Insight file pic, November 27, 2019.

PUBLIC apathy remains three years after waste separation at the source was made mandatory, with just 28% of Kuala Lumpur folk abiding by the rule.

“The main problem is people’s attitude… they throw away rubbish without checking if it is food waste or glass,” Federal Territories Solid Waste Management and Public Cleansing Corp (SWCorp) director Mohd Zahir Shari told Bernama.

Though there is a penalty for violation of the Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management Act 2007, which took effect on June 1, 2016, it “seems insufficient”, he said.

“In Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya, with a fine of RM50 for the first offence, we’re able to collect up to RM700.”

He said the act, which requires waste separation for paper, plastic, garden waste, bulky waste and other recyclables, is in force in Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, Pahang, Johor, Malacca, Negri Sembilan, Perlis and Kedah.

Separating rubbish leads to waste reduction, which, in turn, lessens the need for landfill sites, he added.

Zahir said there must be more programmes to increase public awareness on the importance of waste separation to extract recyclable materials.

According to the SWCorp website, Malaysia generated more than 38,000 tonnes of garbage daily this year, up from the 14,200 tonnes a day recorded in 2005. – Bernama, November 27, 2019.

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Comments

  • E-commerce waste contributes to the bulk of the rubbish in landfills. It has to stopped at the source.

    Posted 4 years ago by Elyse Gim · Reply

  • There is a need for more waste separation bins, especially in housing estates.....we need to make people aware.....
    Despite the fact that the policies and laws have been in place, people need to be reminded.
    Also, there is a need to remove as much packaging as possible.

    Posted 4 years ago by [email protected] · Reply

  • Waste collection service in the KL area is a joke! Unreliable and inconsistent collection that deter the recycle-conscious public.
    If we are at all serious about waste management and recycling, large bins should be provided at housing estates and cleared out regularly. Due to infrequent collection, these bins are often filled to the brim making them an eye-sore, not to mention health hazard to the surroundings.
    Please get your act together local authorities.

    Posted 4 years ago by Susheela Nadarajah · Reply

  • not taking seriously

    Posted 4 years ago by IMRAN AHMAD · Reply