MPKj: Dusun Tua folk should identify better locations for leach bins

THE current rubbish collection mess at several traditional villages in Dusun Tua could have been avoided, says the Kajang Municipal Council (MPKj).

In a statement, its Municipal Services and Health Department director Shariman Mohd Nor said village heads should have cooperated with the council to identify better locations.

Shariman was responding to “Need for better waste management” which was published in StarMetro on Aug 21, where residents complained that leach bins placed in the area were not being used properly.

He said although residents in traditional villages did not pay assessment tax, MPKj had decided to provide these areas with bins so residents could dispose of their rubbish properly.

“However, when decisions had to be made in regard to their locations, only a few village heads agreed to cede spaces in their villages for waste management,’’ said Shariman.

They were Kampung Gahal, Kampung Sungai Semungkis, Kampung Haji Palil, Kampung Paya, Kampung Sungai Tekali, Kampung Bukit Raya, Kampung Sungai Serai, Kampung Baru Sungai Makau, Kampung Melaka and Kampung Batu 14.

In total, 17 units of leach bins were placed within these villages for the benefit of residents.

A total of 15 leach bins had to be placed along the main road of Jalan Hulu Langat due to lack of space, he said.

They are at Kampung Batu 14, Desa Sentosa near Kampung Teras Jernang, Kampung Sri Kundang, Kampung Batu 16 and Kampung Batu 18.

Shariman said the maintenance of these bins cost MPKj about RM336,000 a year.

“These costs only cover collection fees as well as any replacement that may be needed in the event of damage.

“They do not include tipping fees at the Tanjung Dua Belas landfill,” said Shariman.

As a long-term solution, MPKj may impose a fee for door-to-door service to address the issue of rubbish piling up by the roadside.

“However, the narrow roads in villages may not be able to cater to the weight and width of compactor trucks,” said Shariman.