Low Awareness: Less Than 10 Pct Of Septic Tanks In Kelantan Desludged Regularly

KOTA BHARU, Nov 23 (Bernama) -- Awareness of the need to empty septic tanks regularly in Kelantan remains low, with less than 10 per cent of the state’s 259,343 traditional septic tanks and 81,275 individual tanks being desludged according to schedule.

Public Works, Water Infrastructure and Rural Development Committee deputy chairman Saizol Ismail said most residents believed septic tanks only needed to be emptied when they were full or clogged, whereas regular desludging was crucial for protecting the environment and safeguarding public health.

“The low rate of desludging shows that public awareness on the need for regular septic tank maintenance must be improved.

“This issue is also compounded by narrow access roads leading to homes, especially in villages, which makes it difficult for desludging trucks to enter, as well as the relatively high cost,” he said after officiating the engagement session and briefing on scheduled septic tank desludging services in Kelantan, here today.

Saizol said the state government, in collaboration with Indah Water Konsortium Sdn Bhd (IWK), the operator of Kelantan’s sewerage system, had carried out ‘Ops Sedut’ (desludging operation) campaigns at selected locations, including weekend markets, community programmes, and public hotspots.

“In addition, awareness briefings on septic tank desludging and acts related to sewage management are also held at mosques and surau to improve public understanding.

“I am confident that with IWK’s expertise and cooperation from all parties, including the National Water Services Commission (SPAN) and Department of Environment, efforts to modernise Kelantan’s sewerage system can be further enhanced,” he said.

-- BERNAMA