SWCORP ALWAYS ON ALERT FOR POST-FLOOD CLEANUPS

KUANTAN, Oct 8 (Bernama) -- The Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management Corporation (SWCorp) is always on the alert for post-flood clean-up to ensure the safety of the affected areas.

SWCorp chief executive officer Khalid Mohamed said that, based on experience, clean-up operations can normally be carried out two to three days after areas that are inundated return to normal.

"We already have well-organised plans and standard operating procedures (SOPs). We need about two to three days after the floods to clean up the affected areas,” he told a media conference after the prize-presentation ceremony for the Pahang state-level Schools Recycling Competition (PerKISS) at a hall here today.

Khalid said that although they have periodically cleaned the drains to reduce the risk of flooding, the effectiveness of their efforts depended on public awareness.

"We routinely clean the drains to avoid them being clogged up. However, the most important thing is the role played by members of the public. Most drains are clogged up due to the lack of public awareness,” he said.

Regarding today's event, Khalid said this year's PerKISS involved 323 schools - 241 secondary and 82 primary schools statewide - with the collection of recycled items reaching 500,000 kilogrammes worth RM332,000.

"This is a significant and proud achievement. We thank our strategic partners, specifically the Pahang State Education Department, Alam Flora Sdn Bhd and all parties who gave us their commitment,” he said.

He added that the main objective of holding PerKISS is to foster awareness about cleanliness and recycling practices from the time they start school, so that it becomes a lifelong culture among the younger generation.

"Recycling practices taught in school can then be transferred to their respective homes and families. This competition has been held for the past eight years. We see there is a significant increase in terms of participation and the amount collected,” he said, adding that he is confident of achieving over 90 per cent school participation next year.

-- BERNAMA