By Norrasyidah Arshad
SHAH ALAM, Aug 2 — The state government will review its contract with KDEB Waste Management (KDEBWM) and the 12 local councils to ensure that they are able to continue providing the best solid waste collection service.
State executive councillor for environment Hee Loy Sian said they will review the current tipping fees rate to ensure the related parties receive the appropriate payment.
"We will compare the tipping fees with those received by solid waste concessionaires in other countries and take into consideration other factors including the minimum wage that came into effect on May 1.
"Once we have examined it all, the state government will consider if there is a need to reissue the state grant to KDEBWM,” he said during the winding-up session of the First Selangor Plan (RS-1) on behalf of the state executive councillor for local government Ng Sze Han at the Selangor State Legislative Assembly here yesterday.
During last week’s sitting, several state assemblymen suggested finding a new formula that included increasing funds to KDEBWM to ensure the agency is not overburdened and able to manage solid waste properly.
This followed a motion brought by Kampung Tunku state assemblyman Lim Yi Wei regarding KDEBWM performance which was reported in the Auditor General's Report on the Activities of the Selangor State Government Agencies and the Management of State Government Companies Year 2020 Series 1.
Meanwhile, Hee said environmental offenders will face a fine between RM10,000 to RM50,000 or imprisonment not more than a year or both if the Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Bill is approved.
“The state’s legal team is currently examining the enactment draft in detail and we are considering bringing it back to the Federal level.
"This enactment will also allow for offenders to be punished with a rehabilitation work order by the court. At the same time, local councils need to continuously review their by-laws to ensure that their legislation stays relevant," he said.
