SHAH ALAM, Nov 10 — State assemblymen have called for the upcoming 2026 Selangor Budget to place specific emphasis on raising public awareness about solid waste segregation and strengthening enforcement against illegal waste dumping activities.
They opined that a comprehensive approach is necessary to cultivate a green lifestyle among the public while reducing pressure on Selangor's landfill sites.
The assemblymen also praised the state government’s initiative to develop a waste-to-energy (WTE) plant, describing it as a proactive move that not only lowers solid waste management costs but also minimises environmental impact.
Starting next year, the authorities will also enforce a three-day weekly ban on plastic bags — from Friday to Sunday — to encourage the public to reduce single-use plastic consumption and adopt sustainable habits.
Pua Pei Ling: From plastic ban to waste segregation, strengthen green awareness
Bukit Lanjan state assemblyman Pua Pei Ling said Selangor's long-running campaign to curb plastic bag usage has proven successful, as more people now bring reusable bags when shopping.
“This proves that public awareness of environmental sustainability is growing. It is time for us to take the next step; making solid waste segregation a daily practice,” she said.
Pua added that the public’s understanding of waste segregation must be expanded so that it becomes a household culture.
She also commended the state government’s Care Economy Policy, introduced in response to the ageing population issue.
“I hope this policy will be translated into the upcoming budget so that more senior citizens can benefit,” Pua said.
She further called for a comprehensive plan to address youth mental well-being, following several recent incidents in schools.
“We cannot rely solely on the Sehat programme or reactive measures after incidents occur. Early prevention and proper psychological guidance must be carefully structured,” Pua said.
Yew Jia Haur: Strengthen enforcement, continue senior citizen benefits
Teratai state assemblyman Yew Jia Haur called for stricter enforcement against the increasingly rampant illegal dumping of waste, highlighting it as a key concern to be addressed under the 2026 Selangor Budget.
He noted that several landfill sites in the state also receive waste from Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya, prompting some to take shortcuts by dumping illegally on government or private land.
“This practice pollutes the environment and tarnishes the image of local communities. It must be made a main focus of the 2026 state budget,” Yew said.
He also raised the need to continue the Mesra Usia Emas Scheme (SMUE), which has been in place for over a decade.
“Previously, all senior citizens aged 60 and above could register to receive birthday vouchers. However, new registrations have now been halted, and only existing members continue to receive benefits.
"I hope the state will reconsider this policy so that more seniors can enjoy the assistance,” Yew said.
The 2026 Selangor Budget is scheduled to be tabled on Friday (November 14) and will focus on fiscal resilience, human capital development, and reinforcing the state's strategic position as the country’s key economic driver.
Menteri Besar Dato' Seri Amirudin Shari previously described this as a "transitional budget", which not only closes the chapter on the First Selangor Plan (RS-1) but also lays the foundation for the Second Selangor Plan (RS-2) to be introduced next year.
