Proper waste separation is crucial when disposing of rubbish and to aid recycling efforts. — Filepic
Selangor government’s allocation for local councils to promote waste separation at source is low, says an environmental group.
In a media statement, Jaringan Rawang Tolak Insinerator (JRTI) spokesperson Esther Woo said this was based on the answer provided by the state government to Rawang assemblyman Chua Wei Kiat.
Chua had asked about programmes to be held and how much funding was being allocated to International Zero Waste Day (IZWD), which falls on March 30, during the recent Selangor State Assembly sitting.
The written reply indicated that only five local councils – Shah Alam, Petaling Jaya, Subang Jaya, Ampang Jaya and Hulu Selangor – had received some funding, not specifically designated for observing IZWD, but for segregation of waste at source.
Woo: Meagre sum allocated to local councils for waste separation at source.“The combined allocation for these councils amounts to a meagre RM172,000.
“This sum is insufficient when considering the magnitude of challenges faced in waste management,” Woo told StarMetro.
She said this points to a broader issue of inadequate support for environmental sustainability initiatives.
The group had expressed doubts about the state government’s commitment to IZWD.
JRTI called on the state government to observe IZWD and to enact legislation enforcing waste segregation at source.
“The 2024 International Zero Waste Day slogan is ‘Beat Waste Pollution’.
“We find it disheartening to see Selangor choosing to disregard the significance of the day.
“Ironically, the state government is launching billion-ringgit waste-to-energy or incinerator projects in Batu Arang, Jeram and Tanjung Dua Belas.
“This stance towards IZWD contradicts sustainable environmental practices,” said Woo.
She added that adoption of the Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management Act 2007 (Act 672) would empower Selangor to enforce mandatory waste separation at source.
So far, Pahang, Johor, Melaka, Negri Sembilan, Perlis, Kedah, Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya have adopted Act 672.
Earlier this month, Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming said Selangor had in principle agreed to adopt the Act.
On March 15, Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari said the state government would send a Letter of Intent (LoI) to Housing and Local Government Ministry on the matter soon.
On Dec 14, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution to proclaim March 30 as IZWD, to be observed annually.
It encourages sustainable production and consumption habits and aims at increasing awareness of how zero-waste projects accelerate the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
StarMetro reaced out to state local government and tourism committee chairman Datuk Ng Suee Lim but did not receive a response at press time.
