Shah alam: KDEB Waste Management (KDEBWM) is facing financial pressure as it has to bear diesel operating costs reaching RM5 million a month to ensure that waste collection services throughout Selangor are not affected. Its managing director, Datuk Ramli Mohd Tahir, highlighted the impact of increased diesel prices on the company, particularly regarding the operation of 800 Roll-on Roll-off (RoRo) lorries that do not receive scheduled subsidies.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ramli appealed to the government to address the lack of subsidy assistance for the 800 RoRo lorries owned by KDEBWM. He noted that the price of diesel had surged to RM6.02 and even reached RM6.72 per litre previously. If eligible for subsidies like contractors, the company would only need to pay RM1.99 per litre. Despite appeals to the Ministry of Finance (MOF) and the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN), there has been no response.
The lack of access to subsidised fuel has forced KDEBWM to bear an additional cost increase of RM5 million per month compared to the original expenditure of around RM2.5 million. Service payments from local authorities are typically received after 60 to 75 days, putting pressure on daily operational cash flow. Ramli emphasized that the company provides public services rather than profiting from resources and is affected by the over 100 per cent increase in oil prices. As a result, maintaining the frequency of three trips per day for each RoRo vehicle has become unsustainable.
Ramli stated that KDEBWM will continue to seek proper consideration from the federal government for RoRo vehicles to be listed as eligible for diesel subsidies to ensure the continuity of public services. Meanwhile, KDEBWM is intensifying preparations for the Malaysian Games (SUKMA) in Selangor in August. The event is expected to temporarily increase the population by around 150,000 people, leading to a doubling of solid waste at competition venues. The team is ready to increase collection frequency and manage the expected waste increase.
Ramli also mentioned initiatives to mobilise additional assets, such as placing more RoRo and MGB240 bins in crowded areas. He urged the public to maintain cleanliness and dispose of waste in designated places to preserve Selangor's image as a host.