SWCorp assures drains cleaned on schedule to prevent flash floods

JOHOR BAHRU, Aug 3 (Bernama) -- The Johor Solid Waste Management and Public Cleaning Corporation (SWCorp) will continue to ensure that the 14.22 million square metres (sqm) of drains in the state under its maintenance are always cleaned according to schedule, to ensure there are no blockages to prevent flash floods.

Johor SWCorp director Cairul Hisham Jalaluddin said the company is also responsible for carrying out solid waste collection, involving 1.05 million premises, and road cleaning of 2.25 million sqm, as well as grass-cutting in an area of 50.68 million sqm statewide.

“All drains under our supervision are cleaned according to schedule, so that there are no obstructions in drainage, to allow water to flow unimpeded.

“The flash flood incident yesterday was due to heavy rain and coincidental high tide, so such a situation will definitely happen even with drains cleaned because it is a natural occurrence,” he said after the celebration of Cleaning Workers’ Day and launch of Fly the Jalur Gemilang campaign, at the Bandar Sultan Iskandar Mosque recreation park here today.

Also present were SWCorp chairman, Datuk Rizalman Mokhtar and SWM Environment Sdn Bhd corporate general manager, Mohd Norlisam Mohd Nordin.

Yesterday, two hours of heavy rain since 12.30 pm caused flooding on several main roads in the city, including Jalan Ayer Molek, Jalan Wong Ah Fook, Jalan Tun Abdul Razak, Jalan Kolam Air, Jalan Yahya Awal, Hospital Sultanah Aminah ( HSA), Jalan Sungai Chat and Persiaran Abu Bakar, with over 500 vehicles affected.

Meanwhile, Rizalman said that SWCorp urged public cooperation to share videos or pictures of litterbugs or individuals illegally dumping rubbish, to shame culprits into toeing the line.

He said the public also needs to be eyes and ears, in addition to implementing the 'Berani Tegur' campaign, launched by the Ministry of Housing and Local Government against litterbugs in general.

“We are asking for the people's cooperation; we have a campaign “Berani Tegur’ - if one spotted such act to report it so that litterbugs will change their ways, this is because cleanliness is not the sole responsibility of cleaners, it is also a collective responsibility of all members of the communities.

“Dashcams (dashboard cameras) can also be used to catch people in the act of throwing rubbish from cars; if we see it we will make it viral so that the public will be more disciplined,” he said.

Regarding Fly the Jalur Gemilang campaign, Mohd Norlisam said that as many as 1,050 cleaning concession companies that provide public cleaning services in Johor will fly the national flag starting today, to enliven the National Day celebration.

Mohd Norlisam said in addition to cleaning operators, 14 depots and offices throughout Johor will also fly the Malaysian flag, to instil patriotism among the 4,500 cleaning workers statewide to keep Malaysia clean, beautiful and prosperous.

-- BERNAMA