SHAH ALAM, Nov 18 — The state government has assured that KDEB Waste Management Sdn Bhd (KDEBWM) will remain a key player in the state’s solid waste ecosystem even if the Solid Waste Management and Public Cleansing Act 2007 (Act 672) is adopted.
State executive councillor for local government and tourism Dato’ Ng Suee Lim said the company will continue to have competitive opportunities under the new Federal-aligned framework.
This is because of its strong performance over the years and its status as a state-owned company, even though the Act’s implementation may restructure solid waste management under the Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management Corporation (SWCorp).
"Once we sign Act 672, KDEBWM's function as a project management company under the local councils' mandate will be void.
“However, as a state-owned subsidiary with extensive experience in logistics management and green technology innovation, KDEBWM has strong potential to secure new service contracts through SWCorp’s request-for-proposal or open tender processes.
"The state government is confident that KDEBWM's excellent performance in waste collection and public cleansing will serve as a strong basis for the firm to remain competitive.
"The state government is also committed to ensuring KDEBWM continues to play a key role, whether through strategic partnerships or merit-based appointments, so that solid waste collection and public cleansing services in the state remain efficient and deliver maximum benefit to the people,” he said.
Ng said this when responding to a question from Sijangkang state assemblyman Datuk Dr Ahmad Yunus Hairi on how Act 672’s adoption would affect KDEBWM, at the State Legislative Assembly here today.
Under the Act, SWCorp is granted authority over solid waste management, affecting the autonomy of local authorities and state policies in implementation, monitoring, and local planning.
In November last year, Menteri Besar Dato' Seri Amirudin Shari said Selangor expects to conclude the ratification of Act 672 soon, adding that the move would reduce the cost of solid waste management, currently borne by the state government through KDEBWM.
With Act 672, the gap would be filled with the Federal government’s allocation. A note of intent from the state government was submitted to the Housing and Local Government Ministry last year.
Meanwhile, Ng said the matter is still under discussion to ensure the interests of all parties, including the public, are protected.
"Since it involves a lot of technicalities, we have a lot of discussions. And that is why the implementation is taking a long time,” he said.
