Kuala Lumpur: The Ipoh City Council (MBI) has conducted a clean-up operation for the fifth time at a residential premises in Jalan Merpati, Taman Ipoh here, which had been used as a collection point for recyclable goods and a dumping ground. Ipoh mayor Zamakhshari Hanipah in a statement today said the operation, in collaboration with the Department of Social Welfare (JKM), was carried out due to continuous complaints regarding activities at the premises, despite two legal actions having been taken against the premises owner since 2020.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the operation was initiated as a response to the ongoing disturbances caused by the premises, which is owned by a 71-year-old woman who collects recyclable items and stores them in her yard. This activity has been causing disruptions in the local community, prompting the involvement of JKM as an additional measure to find a more effective and humane solution. The aim is to support the elderly woman while maintaining the area’s image.

The operation, which began at 9 am, involved 26 MBI personnel, nine JKM members, and volunteers, and was conducted smoothly without any incidents. The premises owner cooperated fully with the operation team. MBI council member Lam Yew Tact, MBI City legal advisor Syahrul ‘Azrin Ghazali, and JKM representative Syed Abdul Halim Hilmy Syed Omar led the effort.

Zamakhshari noted that three five-tonne capacity lorries were used to dispose of waste, while recyclable items were collected and sold with the assistance of JKM volunteers. The proceeds from the sale were given to the elderly woman as welfare support.

The council hopes that this integrated approach can serve as an example of addressing social issues based on public complaints holistically, combining strict enforcement actions with a prudent welfare approach.