December 25, 2021 @ 4:56pm
KUALA LUMPUR: The aftermath of the massive flood that struck several states in the country since last week was devastating and in its aftermath, floodwater damage as well mud-soaked household items are no longer of use, with all now left piled up to be thrown away.

The Consumers' Association of Penang (CAP) Education Officer N. V. Subbarow said local councils in the respective states must have a proper post-flood waste management system, in the face of the annual inundation.

"Since this (floodings) has become an annual affair affecting the people, the councils must come up with proper waste management system.

"The post-flood garbage is huge and they have to clear it within a short period. Almost nothing can be recycled, mattresses, and others, all will pile up in landfills.
"They should have proper plans and active it whenever needed," he told the New Straits Times today.

He said local councils should set up more bulk rubbish disposal bins in housing estates and frequent collection intervals to reduce more waste being dumped outside their home.

Subbarow also suggested for waste segregation for more effective waste management.

Several states including Selangor, Kelantan and Pahang were hit with massive floods displacing thousands from their homes since last week.

While heavy downpours and outdated drainage were blamed for the flood, Subbarow believes the dumping of plastics also contributed to the inundation.

There are instances where plastic waste dumped had clogged-up rivers and drains.

"This is not only single-use plastics but includes other plastics such as wrappers, plastics covers also dumped into the drain or rivers.

"This use of plastics by Malaysians must be stopped. It will come back to (haunt) us. We saw this during the flood," he added.

Source: https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2021/12/757811/local-councils-need-post-flood-waste-management-system?topicID=1&articleID=757811