By Suhaila Shahrul Annuar
PETALING JAYA, April 15 — The Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) spends RM85 million annually on collecting garbage and public cleaning services.
Its deputy mayor Sharipah Marhaini Syed Ali said the expenses of doing so have never decreased, and instead are on the rise.
"A decade ago it averaged around RM60 million. But our latest data indicate it has reached RM85 million.
"Our expenditure in managing waste has never decreased, but rather has increased," she said after officiating the council's Jalinan Kasih 3R PJKita programme at the PJ Eco Recycling Plaza yesterday.
Sharipah added that MBPJ is carrying out proactive initiatives with comprehensive planning, as well as constantly taking the best measures to reduce waste.
"All quarters must practice recycling and make it habitual. This is also a challenge for MBPJ, yet we are constantly thinking of the future, and much more needs to be improved towards fostering the culture of recycling," she said.
During the programme, 11 B40 and poor families received used furniture and clothing in conjunction with the upcoming Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebrations. Since 2019, 20 families receive such donations annually, from the proceeds of MBPJ's Spring Cleaning shortly before every major festival in the nation.
