SHAH ALAM, April 22 — KDEB Waste Management Sdn Bhd (KDEBWM) is heeding Sultan of Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah Alhaj’s decree to improve solid waste management in the state, including by studying the waste-to-energy (WTE) concept.
KDEBWM managing director Dato’ Ramli Mohd Tahir said he appreciates the Ruler’s admonishment and admits there is room for improvement in servicing its 7.5 million users in Selangor daily.
“Among the main challenges affecting waste management efficiency are operation and logistics aspects, including constraints in fulfilling the expectations of a high number of residents. Other technical issues like lorry breakdowns, schedule disruptions and unexpected factors also affect service continuity in the field.
“His Royal Highness’ order and views are highly appreciated. We admit there is room for improvement, and KDEBWM is committed to studying each weakness and periodically improving our service quality,” he told Media Selangor.
Ramli also said KDEBWM is deeply interested in the Sultan’s suggestion to build a WTE plant as a more sustainable approach to waste management, adding that the concessionaire will explore strategic partnerships with the Selangor government and its local authorities to make the initiative a success.
“We hope to realise the construction of the second and third WTE plants in Selangor. This is important to reduce reliance on landfills and comprehensively improve waste management efficiency.
“Close cooperation with local authorities is very important, especially in terms of enforcement, while the state administration can help make up for anything we lack and operation cost hikes,” Ramli said.
When opening the First Meeting of the Fourth Term of the 15th Selangor State Legislative Assembly on Monday, Sultan Sharafuddin ordered the state government to give serious attention to developing the WTE industry as a long-term solution to Selangor’s waste management issues.
