Shah Alam, Dec 2nd: Local Municipal Councils are now taking the initiative to create an ‘in-house team’ rather than rely on outside contractors to manage solid waste.

Local Government Exco Datuk Teng Chang Khim says that the move will indirectly increase the municipal councils’ competence in dealing with solid waste.

According to him, the team will develop in stages in effort to reduce dependency on outside contractors.

“Once the State government has taken over the services, public cleanliness and garbage collection from Alam Flora, all municipal councils must be ready to handle the responsibility and take over the initiative.”

“The team must be ready to take over in case of emergencies such as a faulty compactor lorry or illegal waste disposal,” he explained in answer to Lau Weng San (DAP-Kampung Tunku) on the issue of developing an internal solid waste cleaning team.

Chang Khim (DAP-Sungai Pinang) also said today in the State Assembly session that several municipal councils have shown positive progress in strengthening their teams.

“One of them is MPK (Klang Municipal Council) 5 compactor lorries, 7 open lorries (8 tonnes) and nine lorries (one tonne).”

“MPK also has 150 workers and drivers for the in-house team and support.”

Chang Khim also mentioned that MPSJ (Subang Jaya Municipal Council) also has acted to establish a special team to manage garbage and is taking over services within the are from the contractor in stages once the current contract lapses.