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

According to the Kajang Municipal Council (MPKj), the current rubbish collection problem in several traditional villages in Dusun Tua could have been avoided. In a statement, Shariman Mohd Nor, the director of MPKj’s Municipal Services and Health Department, stated that village heads should have collaborated with the council to identify better locations for waste management. This response came after residents complained about the improper use of leach bins in the area, as reported in StarMetro on August 21.

Shariman explained that despite the fact that residents in traditional villages are exempt from paying assessment tax, MPKj had decided to provide bins in these areas to promote proper rubbish disposal. However, when it came to determining the locations for these bins, only a few village heads agreed to allocate space in their villages for waste management.

The villages that cooperated 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. A total of 17 leach bins were placed within these villages for the convenience of residents. Due to space constraints, 15 additional leach bins had to be placed along the main road of Jalan Hulu Langat, specifically at Kampung Batu 14, Desa Sentosa near Kampung Teras Jernang, Kampung Sri Kundang, Kampung Batu 16, and Kampung Batu 18.

Shariman further disclosed that MPKj incurs an annual cost of RM336,000 for the maintenance of these bins. This cost covers collection fees and any necessary replacements in case of damage, but does not include tipping fees at the Tanjung Dua Belas landfill.

To address the issue of rubbish piling up by the roadside, MPKj is considering implementing a fee for door-to-door collection as a long-term solution. However, this may not be feasible for villages with narrow roads due to the weight and width of compactor trucks, as stated by Shariman.