By Yasmin Ramlan
SHAH ALAM, Aug 12 – KDEB Waste Management Sdn Bhd (KDEBWM), Selangor’s leading waste management company, is fully prepared for the monsoon, having taken proactive measures and equipping advanced tools for waste removal to mitigate the impact of flash floods.
According to KDEBWM operations division general manager Mohd Idris Mohamed Yusof, cleaning efforts involve the use of specialised equipment, such as jetters and vacuum trucks, to effectively remove waste from drains.
“We will identify the areas at high risk of flash floods. For instance, in December 2021, we were already aware of locations likely to be affected by floods,” he said, referring to Taman Sri Muda in Shah Alam, and Hulu Langat.
“We will focus on these two areas while ensuring other locations are not neglected,” he said on SelangorTV’s Hai Selangor programme aired this morning.
Idris said the state agency has identified 242 flood-prone areas.
“Our staff will be instructed to check all drains that could potentially become clogged, and we will utilise our machinery as well.
“If our equipment is insufficient, we will rent additional resources from other places,” he said.
[caption id="attachment_366923" align="aligncenter" width="1200"]
State executive councillor for infrastructure and agriculture Izham Hashim (left) gestures at new screw pumps at the Taman Sri Muda floodgate during the officiation ceremony at the Taman Sri Muda pump house, Klang, on August 5, 2024. — Picture by MOHD KHAIRUL HELMY MOHD DIN/MEDIA SELANGOR[/caption]
Idris said apart from identifying hotspots, the public can also file complaints on the i-Clean app, and relevant authorities will be notified.
Meanwhile, he raised concerns that KDEBWM is grappling with the unsystematic disposal of rubbish by residents, which clogs drains and has led to a surge in waste collection, now totaling 7,000 tonnes daily, in Selangor.
He said the figure excludes unrecorded illegal dumping that also contributes to the problem.
He pointed out that restaurants contribute to flash floods by disposing of cooking waste directly into drains, leading to blockages.
“Urban areas, especially those with significant economic activity like restaurants, face drainage problems due to improper disposal of cooking oil and other kitchen waste into the drains.
“Such practices can lead to blockages, bad smells, and waste freezing, which obstructs water flow over three days.
“To address this, we require vacuum trucks for thorough cleaning,” he said.
