No more dirty toilets, smelly drains and rat-infested areas, says DPM
11 July 2017 Print page
PUTRAJAYA: Local authorities have been directed to beef up their enforcement on public areas to ensure that they are clean and hygienic, says Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi.
This means that dirty public toilets, rat-infested premises and foul-smelling drains should be a thing of the past, he added.
In addition to the enforcement, he said the Government was considering controlling the development of water chalets to protect nature and the environment
He added that plans would be carried out to make the installation of rain water collection system mandatory on future buildings to reduce the demand and usage of clean water supply for other purposes aside from consumption.
These are among issues discussed at the Local Government Council meeting chaired by Dr Ahmad Zahid as the Government looks for measures to strengthen and improve services of local authorities and take steps to safeguard the environment.
Dr Ahmad Zahid said to ensure cleanliness and hygiene are properly maintained, local authorities must compel commercial premises owners to install oil traps, ensure cleanliness of washrooms and put a stop to rat infestation.
“All these are issues affecting public health and we want these to be addressed, not only through education and awareness programmes, but also through effective enforcement,” he said after the meeting yesterday.
The meeting also discussed the best way to get developers to use the industrialised building system (IBS). In 2015, the Cabinet agreed to make it mandatory for private projects to use this method for projects worth RM50mil and above.
“The best way to ensure developers adhere to this policy is to make it part of the conditions to be met when applying for planning permission, development order or building plans.
“Local authorities need to be on the same page with us on this matter and agree to make it a condition,” he added.
It was reported that new laws would be drafted to make it mandatory for the construction sector to switch to IBS within the next four years. IBS is a technique of construction where components are manufactured in a controlled environment off site and later placed and assembled into construction works.
The use of this system is expected to solve several recurring problems in the construction industry, especially the major reliance of contractors on foreign workers.
Source : http://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2017/07/11/make-public-places-clean-and-hygienic-no-more-dirty-toilets-smelly-drains-and-ratinfested-areas-says/#fQHYHSM5PPRPJALI.99