Garbage trucks becoming health hazard

When garbage trucks come to residential areas, it is expected to collect and dispose of trash. Ironically in Ipoh, while garbage is being collected it leaves behind a watery trail of stench.

When I was at a hotel in Ipoh I witnessed noxious water leakage from the garbage truck as it was lifting rubbish bins from the basement. The stench that came from the site was disgusting. When I asked one of the garbage collectors why liquid was flowing from the truck, he told me that the trucks have not been maintained for a long time.

The hotel workers ended up cleaning the floor of the basement after they had left. For hotel staff, it is a health hazard to clear the garbage juice each time garbage is collected. I noticed the garbage collectors also did not wear safety equipment to protect themselves from the stench, and some of them were rude.

This brings into question the attitude of local government on waste management in the city and whether safety and health have been an important criterion. Is there a maintenance schedule for these trucks? Are there broken seals which cause such leakages? Is there a plan to replace these trucks?

I wonder if the Environmental Department is aware of this problem, and who audits local government performance on waste management that takes into consideration the health of its workers and city residents. Is there a public awareness campaign on this issue?

It’s time the garbage trucks are either replaced or sent for maintenance. Other countries with similar problems have done so.

With the Covid-19 crisis, we should move forward in ensuring our hygiene standards are at par with the most advance countries. City residents on their part should ensure that they cover their bins, especially during the rainy season. There is a need for cooperation and a deep sense of hygiene standards.

Therefore, the Association for Community and Dialogue urges the local government of Ipoh to take immediate action to contain the noxious water leakage from garbage trucks and regard it as a health and environmental hazard.

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The writer, Ronald Benjamin is the secretary of the Association for Community and Dialogue. - Mkini