Perak state seeks less one-sided terms on solid waste management

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IT has been more than two months since the Solid Waste Management and Public Cleansing Act came into effect on Sept 1.

Yet, there is still no solution in sight to the dispute between the Perak government and concessionaire appointed by the Housing and Local Government Ministry to undertake the privatisation of solid waste management in the state.

The issue is expected to be a long, drawn-out battle as both parties have refused to budge from their positions.

Warm greetings: Dr Zambry with Tualang Sekah assemblyman Nolee Ashilin Datuk Mohamed Radzi (right) being welcomed by the youths during the launching of the Kampar Youths Gathering at Gua Tempurung.

In July, the concessionaire had closed down its office in Perak, telling the state government that it would only resume operations after the latter had agreed to the terms set out in an agreement pertaining to solid waste management in the state.

Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abdul Kadir, on the other hand, insisted that Perak would not sign the agreement until certain technical matters were sorted out between both parties.

“We are concerned and want certain terms to be agreed upon first. “We cannot agree to one-sided terms as this concerns the people.

“I do not want the people to suffer at the end of the day,” he told reporters after opening the Kampar parliamentary constituency Youth gathering in Gua Tempurung, Gopeng, last Sunday.

Reaching for it: Participants playing netball during the Kampar Youth Gathering at Gua Tempurung.

Dr Zambry said he hoped the concessionaire would view the matter carefully for the sake of all parties concerned.

“The terms of the agreement should benefit the people and not burden them,” he said.

Perak, along with Penang and Selangor, have decided to opt out of the Act whereas Kedah, Perlis, Pahang, Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, Johor, Negri Sembilan and Malacca have all agreed to hand over the management of their solid waste to three companies appointed by the ministry.

Speaking on the gathering, at which Kampar MP Datuk Lee Chee Leong was also present, Dr Zambry said it was a good avenue for local leaders to interact with the youth.

Over 1,000 youths participated in the one-day gathering where various activities such as futsal, netball and traditional games were conducted.