SHAH ALAM, May 1 — Before dawn breaks, a group of workers is already on the job, ensuring the environment stays clean and liveable.
For KDEB Waste Management Sdn Bhd (KDEBWM) lorry driver Shaiful Anuar Mohd Noor, 48, the day begins as early as 3am, when the roads are still quiet and the city is shrouded in darkness.
For the past eight years, he has remained dedicated to the field of solid waste management, a job often overlooked yet vital in safeguarding the well-being of the community.
“I get ready as early as 3am before heading to the depot. We usually begin work around 3.30am by checking the condition of the vehicle before heading out to our assigned areas at 4am,” he told Media Selangor.
Shaiful Anuar said their work begins in commercial areas before moving into residential neighbourhoods to collect domestic waste and daily rubbish generated by residents.
“Usually we work between eight and nine hours a day. In the afternoon, we then head to the landfill for the disposal process of the collected waste."
However, behind what may seem like a routine job lies a range of challenges that often go unnoticed.
Every day, he faces narrow roads that make it difficult for lorries to manoeuvre, irregular collection schedules from residents, and careless waste segregation practices, all of which become obstacles that must be overcome to ensure the job is completed.
“Some residents do not separate their waste properly. Sometimes glass, sharp objects and hazardous items are mixed together. This is very risky for us.
“Sometimes we have to sort recyclable waste ourselves. Otherwise, the compactor fills up quickly and the work becomes more difficult.
"But regardless whether it’s hot or raining, we still have to work because waste cannot wait."
Shaiful Anuar recalled a moment that left a lasting impact, when a resident accidentally disposed of jewellery into a rubbish bin, only realising later that it had already ended up at the landfill.
“Situations like that are really unfortunate. That’s why I hope the public will be more careful and alert, especially when it involves valuable items."
From stigma to appreciation
According to Shaiful Anuar, changing public attitudes in recent years has also served as a source of motivation for those who work daily amid waste and debris.
While the job was once often looked down upon, more people today are beginning to appreciate their sacrifices, a change he says is clearly felt.
“Today, many are more considerate. Some offer us water, give us food, and even say thank you. Small gestures like that actually mean a lot to us,” he said.
Shaiful Anuar said all the negative perceptions he once faced have never broken his spirit. Instead, they have strengthened his resolve to continue carrying out his responsibility for the people and the state.
“Without us, waste would not be cleared. We do this job sincerely, with trust and honesty, to earn a living for our families... Our only intention is to ensure that areas remain clean and safe for everyone."
After a full day working amid waste and filth, he returns home in the evening, welcomed by his family who serve as his greatest source of strength to carry on the next day.
Despite the exhaustion, it is at home that he regains his energy before resuming a job that never truly stops.
In conjunction with Labour Day, Shaiful hopes the public will better understand the role of sanitation workers and extend proper cooperation, especially in waste segregation.
“The spirit must be there. What we do is for the people and for the state of Selangor. My advice is to separate your waste so our work becomes easier.
"We do all this for the community — without us, residential areas would not stay clean."
