SELAYANG, 30 Jan: The implementation of various programmes and campaigns on the importance of caring for the environment managed to reduce up to double the solid waste collection in the area of Selayang, especially during the Thaipusam festival.

The Yang DiPertua of the Selayang Municipal Council (MPS), Mohd Azizi Mohd Zaid, said that waste collection during the Thaipusam festival recorded the same amount of a day’s collection for the whole of Selayang.

However, said that continuous campaigns carried out the council in the past three years managed to overcome the problem of high waste collection every year.

“Statistics show that waste collection during Thaipusam for 2011 was 94 tonnes, 2012 was 760 tonnes, 2013 was 661.19 tonnes and for 2014, it was 320 tonnes.

“This year, we are not yet sure of the amount (of waste collection), but we expect that there will be a decrease because various campaigns have been implemented to address this issue,” he said.

He said that the large trash heap during celebrations has lead the council to come up with a cost of up to RM150,000 for waste collection.

Therefore, he hopes that the public will cooperate by throwing waste at the places provided, and to join in practicing the culture of recycling.

“Let us join together to help the council by supporting environmental campaigns carried out so that the waste problem will no longer become a focus during Thaipusam,” he added.

NS