SHAH ALAM, Dec 17 — The state government has launched a massive cleanup operation by performing spotchecks on notoriously dirty places like drains along the back alleys of restaurants, following a recent rebuke from Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah Alhaj.
State executive councillor for local government and tourism Dato’ Ng Suee Lim said the operation focuses not only on drains, but also garbage dumps.
“The operation to spotcheck ‘hotspots’ seen as problematic, be they garbage or clogged drains, started in Section 7 where there are 24-hour restaurants.
“We found a lot of clogged residue due to dumped grease,” he said when met during the operation here today.
Ng said the grease was cleaned using a high-pressure water jet before being suctioned into a waste collection machine so the clean drains flow smoothly again.
“We issued reminders to all restaurant owners to install and maintain their grease traps and not to dump waste into drains.
“Local councils and the health department will enforce this. Legal action will be taken if they disobey,” he added.
To strengthen the operation, Ng said his office has proposed adding cleaning equipment for KDEB Waste Management Sdn Bhd (KDEBWM) under all local councils.
“We only have two waste collection machines and seven high-pressure water jets. We are planning to add more so clogged waste can be suctioned so as to prevent flooding.
“We will try to do this and find a way, including with additional funds from the state government, because the target is for every local council to have one of this equipment,” Ng said.
He added that the state government is awaiting a complete list of illegal dumpsites from local councils.
“Areas we receive the most complaints from are Klang, Kemuning and Sentosa … even though cleanup works have been done,” Ng said.
Previously, Bernama reported that Sultan Sharafuddin received many complaints about Selangor’s lack of cleanliness, with the Ruler ordering immediate action.
His Royal Highness said there was a clear rise in credible complaints, which shows that the people are truly concerned about urban cleanliness and are demanding follow-up action.
