Central Region News
Residents Of Batu 4, Kampung Jawa Stage Demo Over Rubbish Collection
By V. Sankara Subramaniam
SHAH ALAM, May 19 ( Bernama) -- Residents of Section 36, Batu 4 Kampung Jawa here have rubbished the takeover of garbage collection services by the PKR-led Selangor Government.
And, with good reason...
They have been forced to put up with unbearable stench and unsanitary conditions for over a month as heaps of garbage are left uncollected by contractors appointed by the state government.
The garbage is found dumped at Batu 4, Kampung Jawa due to a lack of proper leach bins which should be provided by the local authorities.
About 10.30am today, about 50 residents staged a 30-minute peaceful demonstration, to highlight their plight.
They claimed that the contractors were inefficient in handling garbage collection in their area.
A resident, M. Selventhiran, 42, claimed the residents had to bear the stench of uncollected rubbish for over a month.
"The residents have been forced to dump rubbish at an open area in Batu 4, Kampung Jawa here as there are no proper leach bins. So, what choice do they have?
"Besides, we are facing serious health hazards," he told reporters when taking part in the demonstration. Also present was Selangor MIC Youth chief Shanker Raj Iyenger.
Another resident, M. Ravichandran, 44, said the takeover of garbage collection services by the Selangor Government appears to be causing problems.
“Uncollected wastes are attracting flies, rats and the like, which in turn, spread diseases," he said.
Alam Flora Sdn Bhd, the concessionaire which previously handled waste collection and disposal in Selangor, ceased work as of Oct 16, last year.
Since then, the PKR-led state government, via the local authorities, has taken over garbage collection and cleaning services in Selangor.
Meanwhile, Shanker Raj claimed the contractors appeared to have been informed the residents were going a stage a demonstration and hence, were seen collecting the garbage.
Section 36 Kota Kemuning Shah Alam City Council branch manager Azlan Dolah, when met by reporters, said the local authorities, through its contractors, were undertaking periodic garbage collection services in Batu 4, Kampung Jawa and would consider adding extra leach bins for the benefit of the residents.
-- BERNAMA
