RAMADAN WASTE IN KOTA KINABALU RISES 20 PCT DAILY AMID BAZAARS

By Rohana Nasrah

KOTA KINABALU, March 17 (Bernama) -- Kota Kinabalu City Hall (DBKK) has reported a 15 to 20 per cent rise in solid waste during Ramadan, driven by increased business activity and the operation of bazaars.

DBKK Solid Waste Management Department director Leong Tze Fui said the city typically generates 400 to 500 tonnes of waste daily.

“During Ramadan, we record an additional 50 to 150 tonnes per day, averaging 500 to 600 tonnes. The growth in bazaar sites has a clear impact on waste generation,” he told Bernama.

Despite the increase, Leong said DBKK is able to manage the extra waste effectively.

He said the rise is also linked to heightened activity in residential and commercial areas, including hotels offering Ramadan buffets.

“At bazaars, most visitors buy takeaway meals for breaking fast at home, while many hotels run Ramadan buffets,” he said.

Elaborating, Leong said DBKK maintains the additional waste through scheduled cleaning operations at all bazaar sites.

A team of 30 cleaning staff rotates shifts to ensure smooth maintenance, he explained.

Nevertheless, he said they were also facing challenges, including traders exceeding operating hours and improperly disposing of oil, charcoal, and beverages.

“Some traders do not place mats under grills, leaving sites greasy and dirty, while others dump drinks or oil into drains, causing foul odours,” Leong noted.

This year, he said DBKK monitors 20 to 25 bazaar sites in partnership with the City Environmental Health Department and the Sabah State Health Department.

“Bazaars usually operate from 1 pm to 7 pm. Once operations end, our cleaning teams immediately begin clearing the area. We want to ensure no waste piles up, no litter is scattered, and no unpleasant smells remain,” he said.

Currently, he said DBKK focuses on educating traders and raising awareness, issuing verbal reminders about keeping their areas clean.

However, traders who repeatedly fail to manage waste will face stricter action.

“Repeat offenders will be reported in writing to the Licensing Department to bar them from future vending activities, especially at Ramadan bazaars,” Leong warned.

-- BERNAMA