SHAH ALAM, June 19 — The state government has been urged to provide additional funding to KDEB Waste Management Sdn Bhd (KDEBWM) to ensure the continuity of its operations, particularly bulky waste collection, amid rising fuel costs due to the global energy crisis.
Subang Jaya assemblyman Michelle Ng Mei Sze said that while KDEBWM trash compactors, used for daily door-to-door waste collection, receive federal government diesel subsidies, roll-on, roll-off (RORO) trucks used for bulky waste, public cleansing waste, and tree trimmings do not enjoy the same assistance.
“Contractors operating the RORO trucks are facing severe cost pressures due to the lingering effects of the war and I am informed that they have to choose between paying salaries or bearing diesel costs,” she said during the debate on the Selangor Economic Resilience Package (SREP) Phase 2 at a special Selangor State Legislative Assembly sitting here today.
She added that this has affected service frequency and quality, resulting in an increase in public complaints over delays in waste collection.
“Although we have been spared from total paralysis, our system is beginning to show cracks that require serious attention due to issues related to fuel subsidies,” she emphasised.
To ensure the impact of the conflict does not affect cleanliness and public health in the state, she said the government should intervene.
“This sector requires an additional RM4 million a month, and I sincerely hope this emergency funding can be channelled by the state government, at least for the remaining months of this year, to ensure the continuity and smooth operation of KDEBWM services,” Ng added.
In April, KDEBWM managing director Dato’ Ramli Mohd Tahir called on stakeholders to discuss the impact of rising costs significantly pressuring waste collection in Selangor.
He said the company was facing major challenges due to surging diesel costs, estimated to reach RM4 million per month for about 850 RORO lorries.
