By Sofia Nasir
KAJANG, July 27 — Menteri Besar Dato' Seri Amirudin Shari has said he appreciates the efforts of Selangor's solid waste management workers and condemned the actions of certain irresponsible quarters to demean them.
He said the act of questioning the duties of KDEB Waste Management (KDEBWM) staff was made with the clear intent to discredit the state government.
"This is a gesture of appreciation for their contributions. Unfortunately, there are those questioning their duties with the intention of tarnishing the state government's image.
"Such behavior will damage the relationship between the administration and civil servants. This is my way of showing appreciation for those who attempt to denigrate their work," Amirudin said.
Earlier today, the Menteri Besar attended a lunch gathering with around 70 cleaning personnel at Restoran De'Rumbia Ikan Bakar. Also in attendance was KDEBWM's chief executive officer Datuk Ramli Mohd Tahir and Kajang Municipal Council President Najmuddin Jemain.
Recently, a Twitter user uploaded a video showing garbage overflow at Kampung Jawa Batu 18 in Hulu Langat, and claimed it was poorly managed.
In response, KDEBWM staff member Julian Nordin posted a video on social media defending the agency's standard operating procedures for waste collection implemented in the area.
The video by Julian Nordin subsequently went viral and was met with various reactions from the public, including the state leadership.
Meanwhile, Ramli said Kajang recorded the highest amount of solid waste collection in Selangor, averaging between 900 to 1,000 tonnes per day.
This poses a significant challenge for KDEBWM personnel every time they carry out public cleaning activities in the area.
"We face challenges because the area is densely populated and extensive. Among the 12 local authorities in Selangor, Kajang is the most densely populated, hence a large amount of waste," he said.
Ramli added that he wishes the issue of waste collection will not be politicised during the upcoming state election period, which begins on July 29, so as not hurt the feelings of the staff.
"Please do not politicise the waste management issue, as this is our responsibility. We cooperate well with various parties. Spare a thought for our dedicated workers," he said.
[caption id="attachment_320256" align="aligncenter" width="867"]
Menteri Besar Dato' Seri Amirudin Shari (seated, second from left) interacting with state-owned solid waste company KDEB Waste Management's (KDEBWM) staff, during a lunch session with them at Restoran De Rumbia Ikan Bakar in Kajang, on July 27, 2023. — Picture by HAFIZ OTHMAN/SELANGORKINI[/caption]
