JOHOR, 11 December 2024

SWM Environment Sdn Bhd is ready for floods in Johor, says its corporate general manager Mohd Norlisam Mohd Nordin (pic).

He said the integrated solid waste management and public cleansing service provider came up with flood operation plans last month as part of efforts to prepare for the monsoon season.

“The steps we have taken include ensuring that drainage systems in all 16 local council jurisdictions are cleaned according to schedule and will not clog, thus preventing flash floods,” he told StarMetro.

Other steps, said Mohd Norlisam, included making sure the temporary relief centres for flood victims have adequate number of wheelie bins.

“We have also devised a schedule to collect garbage at these centres to ensure that the premises stay clean and comfortable,” he said.

He advised the public, especially those living in flood-prone areas, to store their wheelie bins inside their homes to prevent floodwaters sweeping away the bins.For those whose wheelie bins are lost due to floods, he said a police report would need to be lodged and forwarded to the company for a replacement bin to be issued.

Mohd Norlisam said SWM Environment would also deploy its assets such as water jet lorries, suction lorries and backhoes during flood relief operations.

He said the company was prepared as well for the expected increase in rubbish collection during this period.

“Due to the monsoon season, there will be a massive spike in the amount of rubbish collected because of post-flood clean-up, as people get rid of damaged furniture and electrical items,” he noted.

Mohd Norlisam said SWM Environment would work closely with Solid Waste Management and Public Cleansing Corporation (SWCorp) as well as local councils to carry out the rubbish collection.

In January this year, SWM Environment collected over 90,000kg of rubbish during its flood clean-up operation in Kota Tinggi, which was one of the worst-hit flood districts in Johor.