No reduction in trash collection despite diesel price hike, says Chow

 The Penang chief minister says local authorities will have to bear the additional costs incurred by contractors.

Penang chief minister Chow Kon Yeow said existing clauses allow contractors to request higher service fees from awarding parties, such as local authorities.

GEORGE TOWN:

 The sharp rise in diesel prices will affect the daily operations of trash collectors in Penang, says chief minister Chow Kon Yeow, who gave an assurance, however, that this would not lead to a reduction in collection trips.

Chow said the price hike to RM5.52 per litre would cause contractors to incur additional operational costs, even if they use subsidised diesel.

“We read reports that Langkawi ferry operators have had to reduce their trips following the diesel price hike, but such reductions are not possible when it comes to trash collection.

“Trash needs to be collected on schedule, and this will involve costs that must be borne by local authorities,” he told reporters at Queensbay Mall today.

He noted that existing clauses allow contractors to request higher service fees from awarding parties, such as local authorities.

Chow also said the Penang government will wait for Putrajaya to instruct the state on how to implement work-from-home (WFH) arrangements for selected civil servants and reduce travel and physical events.

Yesterday, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said WFH arrangements would be rolled out in stages for selected civil service groups in view of the impact of the Middle East conflict. - FMT