SHAH ALAM, June 7 — The Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) has stepped up efforts to address clogged drains and rodent infestations in several commercial areas through stricter monitoring, regular maintenance, and enforcement operations.
The Star reported that its departments responsible for health, environmental management, and solid waste are intensifying periodic inspections, especially in high-density commercial zones, to ensure cleanliness standards are maintained.
Immediate cleaning works and enforcement measures are also being carried out in response to public complaints and findings from on-site inspections.
“Based on our latest monitoring, drain cleaning in hotspot areas such as SS2 was carried out by KDEB Waste Management’s (KDEBWM) Petaling Jaya branch using the jetter method.
“Generally, cleaning works follow standard operating procedures, which state twice a week cleaning in commercial areas and twice a month in residential areas,” MBPJ said.
The local authority noted that maintenance efforts in some locations have been hampered by premises owners who permanently cover drains, making thorough cleaning difficult.
“However, there are constraints in certain locations where drain structures have been permanently covered by premises owners, preventing thorough cleaning,” it said.
This is regarding unhygienic conditions and foul odours affecting several popular food hubs in Selangor.
To improve the effectiveness of cleaning operations in high-risk areas such as SS2, KDEBWM has appointed two subcontractors to carry out more focused and consistent maintenance works.
Enforcement records from January to March this year showed that 161 food premises were inspected, resulting in 251 compounds being issued and 43 premises ordered to close for various hygiene-related offences under the MBPJ Food Establishment By-Laws 2007.
“In the SS2 area alone, 21 premises were inspected, resulting in three closures and 11 compounds,” MBPJ said.
Poor compliance among food premises operators, particularly in maintaining grease traps and managing food waste, continues to contribute to drainage pollution.
Illegal waste discharge into drains and the presence of unauthorised structures have complicated maintenance efforts, although the existing drainage system remains functional.
It emphasised that cooperation from businesses and the public is crucial to maintaining a lean and sustainable city.
