By: Aida Aziz
IPOH, June 20 — The Social Welfare Department (JKM) has stepped in to assist in the latest clean-up operation at a house on Jalan Merpati that had been overwhelmed by waste materials.
In a statement, the Ipoh City Council (MBI) said that recyclable items from the property were collected and sold with the help of JKM volunteers, with all proceeds handed over to the elderly homeowner as a form of welfare support.
A total of three five-tonne lorries were deployed to dispose of the accumulated garbage at a designated landfill site.
“MBI, in collaboration with JKM, carried out an Integrated Operation to Eliminate Public Nuisance at a residential property following persistent complaints involving the hoarding of recyclable materials and rubbish.
“Since 2020, MBI has conducted five clean-up operations and initiated two court actions against the 71-year-old homeowner.
“Despite this, he continued to collect and store recyclable materials in his yard, causing inconvenience to the surrounding community,” MBI said.
The council added that this latest operation, which involved JKM, was part of a broader effort to find a more effective and compassionate resolution to the issue.
“The intention is to support the elderly individual in maintaining a cleaner living environment, while also safeguarding the image of the neighbourhood and city,” the spokesperson added.
The operation began at 9:00 a.m. and involved 26 MBI personnel, nine JKM officers, and volunteers. The homeowner cooperated fully with the operation team.
“We hope this integrated approach can serve as a model in addressing social issues based on public complaints, combining firm enforcement with compassionate welfare measures,” the statement added.
