Talks on takeover of solid waste management in Penang deferred

Negotiations on the proposed takeover of solid waste management and public cleansing services in Penang under the Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management Act 2007 (Act 672) have yet to be finalised.

State local government, town and country planning committee chairman H’ng Mooi Lye cited the Cabinet’s decision on April 29 to defer the study and negotiations on the matter.

He said the postponement was intended to give the housing and local government ministry time to reassess the financial implications for the federal government, taking into account the economic situation and rising global oil prices.

“The implementation of Act 672 in Penang will be aligned with the new direction for the expansion of the Act, which is currently being fine-tuned by the ministry.

“The state government will ensure that any proposal to implement Act 672 in Penang is thoroughly scrutinised, particularly in terms of its financial implications and the quality of services provided to residents,” he said at the state assembly sitting here today.

He was responding to a question from Lee Khai Loon (PH-Machang Bubuk) on the chronology and state government’s decisions regarding the adoption of the Act, as well as the factors behind the prolonged negotiations with the ministry and SWCorp and the delay in reaching a final decision.

H’ng said negotiations with the federal government took into account the need to ensure that solid waste management costs do not place an undue financial burden on the state government and residents, while maintaining existing service standards or improving them.

He said the negotiation process began on Feb 28, 2024, when the National Solid Waste Management department was invited to present the proposal to the state executive council.

He said the council subsequently agreed that negotiations should be held to consider the adoption of the Act, but the final decision would be subject to the outcome of the negotiations and the council’s approval.

He said chief minister Chow Kon Yeow also set several preconditions for negotiations between the state government and housing and local government ministry before the adoption of Act 672, including that the state government must have the final say in determining the concessionaires appointed to provide solid waste management and public cleansing services.

H’ng said several rounds of meetings, workshops and discussions between the state authority and SWCorp were held regularly to deliberate on and negotiate the terms and conditions for the adoption of Act 672 in Penang.

Act 672 is currently in force in Johor, Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, Kedah, Perlis, Pahang and Selangor.

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