SHAH ALAM, Dec 26th: The piling of garbage along the Middle Ring Road Two (MRR2) last week was allegedly caused by inexperienced waste management contractors.

Serdang MP Dr Ong Kian Ming said Umpan Jaya Sdn Bhd was awarded the contract to manage the Waste Transfer Center in Taman Beringin, Kepong despite their only experience being in raising the level of landfill in a few areas.
Dr Ong also said that the company is also believed to belong to a former Batu Kawan Umno Division Chief and his family.

“Why did the government awarded the contract to the company even though they do not have the experience necessary to manage the waste transfer center? Is it because it belongs to the former Umno leaders? “he said in a statement here today.

He also added that the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) allegedly failed to take early steps to address the problem upon realization that the said contractor was not operating properly.

He said that the attitude of the City Hall to deliberately neglect the situation has caused traffic disruption and impacted public comfort.

“DBKL was aware that Umpan Jaya faced many operational problems in Taman Beringin but why did they not take reasonable steps to ensure that the waste was properly managed and transferred to the Bukit Tagar Garbage Disposal Center?” he questioned.

Dr Ong also urged the Urban Wellbeing, Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Abdul Rahman Dahlan to disclose the cost of the management contract given to Umpan Jaya and how the company could have been appointed in the first place.

“The minister has been asked to guarantee that the parties involved are investigated thoroughly and appropriate action will be taken where there is liability; additionally, he is also to guarantee that the next contract will be awarded through open tender,” he said.

On 21st December, about 2,000 tons of trash had been piled along the shoulder of the MRR2, causing severe congestion and the stench to cause discomfort to residents and motorists alike.