MOHD FARHAAN SHAH The Star 5 Nov 15;
KULAI: Landfills in Johor will not last more than 30 years if people do not recycle, says State Housing and Local Government Committee chairman Datuk Abdul Latiff Bandi.
“If people continue to throw all their rubbish, including recyclable items, then the landfills will not be able to sustain the load much longer.
“One landfill can last for more than 30 years but with the higher amount of waste being generated, its lifespan would be reduced,” he said at a rubbish separation seminar at Dewan Putra here.
It was for this reason that the waste separation programme was implemented on Sept 1, he added.
Abdul Latiff pointed out that Johor produced between 3,600 and 4,000 tonnes of garbage daily, which is sent to the 12 landfills throughout the state.
“The state government will expand the waste separation programme to ensure that all locals separate recyclable items from waste.
“Although we have received positive feedback since the programme started, we believe that not many people are practising it,” he said.
He said the authorities would start taking action, including issuing compounds, against those who fail to follow the ruling, from July 1 next year.
“Until then, we will continue to educate the public about the benefits of trash separation and recycling.”
Abdul Latiff said Malaysia still recorded a relatively low rate for recycling, at a mere 10%, while other nations had reached over 40%.
“The Government is serious in making sure Malaysia becomes a developed, high-income country by 2020.
“But the achievement will mean nothing if the people’s mindset on does not change,” he said.
