PUTRAJAYA - State governments in Peninsular Malaysia have given the executive power to the Federal Government to take over solid waste management.
This paves the way for the Government to table both the Solid Waste Management and Public Clean-up Bill and Solid Waste Management Corporation Bill in Parliament on July 2.
The Star – 23 June 2007
PUTRAJAYA: Recycling, reducing and reusing waste will be part of every Malaysian’s daily life as early as next year when the corporatisation of solid waste management takes effect.
The state governments in Peninsular Malaysia gave the executive power to the Federal Government to take over solid waste management yesterday.
This paves the way for the Government to table both the Solid Waste Management and Public Clean-up Bill and Solid Waste Management Corporation Bill in Parliament on July 2.
Describing it as a landmark decision, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak was happy that the issue of solid waste management would be finalised after many years of deliberation.
Speaking to reporters after chairing the National Council for Local Governments meeting here, he said along with the two bills, consequential amendments would be also be made to three Acts – Local Government Act, Town and Country Planning Act, and Roads, Drains and Building Act.
Also present at the meeting was Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Seri Ong Ka Ting.
Once the Bills are passed, Najib said the Government would set up the National Solid Waste Management Department as the regulatory body and the Solid Waste Management Corporation to conduct the operations.
The corporation, he said, would take over the role of managing solid waste from local authorities.
However, the local authorities would continue to monitor cleanliness at areas under their jurisdiction.
“After Parliament passes both Bills and they are gazetted, the corporation would be set up and things will go into full swing by next year.
“A RM1bil launching grant has been approved to set up the corporation which will need funds when it takes up its new role with over 2,000 staff,” he said, adding that some staff who have experience on solid waste management would be absorbed from local authorities.
Najib also said the public could expect more systematic and efficient solid waste disposal.
“A tribunal, similar to the consumer and housing tribunals, would be created for disputes on payments for solid waste services,” he said, adding that people from the judiciary would hear complaints and claims.
Concession agreements would also be signed with Alam Flora Sdn Bhd and Southern Waste Management Sdn Bhd, which are now functioning on interim agreements, said Najib.
Another concession agreement would be signed with E-idaman, which is expected to function in the northern region, he added.
By V.P. Sujata
(Source – The Star, 23 June 2007)
