By Aida Aziz
KUALA KANGSAR: Delays in rubbish collection in several areas around Kuala Kangsar are allegedly a recurring problem, causing unpleasant odours and marring the town’s appearance.
A Kuala Kangsar resident said the Kuala Kangsar Municipal Council (MPKK) should monitor its appointed waste collection contractors’ performance to ensure timely collection.
The affected areas include Kati, the foothills of Gunung Pondok and the Taman Kuala Kangsar junction.
The resident said the situation was particularly embarrassing when rubbish at the Taman Kuala Kangsar junction was seen by the world during the 2026 Le Tour de Langkawi (LTdL), as race cameras captured the rubbish disposal site along the route.
“I have seen the RORO rubbish bins in Kati overflowing without being cleared, forcing residents to leave their rubbish outside.
“The contractor is frequently late in collecting the rubbish. In the past, it was left uncollected for up to two weeks. Sometimes, maggots crawl onto the road, while the fly population increases rapidly and uncontrollably.
“This issue has persisted for far too long, not just for a month or two, but for years. The situation not only causes unpleasant odours and spoils the scenery.
“It also poses a health risk, especially as the site is located in front of a school in Kati, putting students at risk.
“Many locals and visitors in Kuala Kangsar still lack civic awareness, dumping rubbish indiscriminately into drains and rivers.
“When responsible members of the public dispose of their rubbish at designated collection points, the waste is often left uncollected,” the resident said.
The resident urged MPKK to take a more proactive, firmer approach toward contractors entrusted with waste collection.
“Kuala Kangsar is a royal town rich in Malay historical heritage and natural treasures, and is one of Malaysia’s well-known tourist destinations. This should not be happening.
“I am not questioning MPKK’s efforts and contributions to the district, but as the local authority, it has the power to prevent such problems.
“I hope the rubbish problem in Kuala Kangsar will be resolved. It has persisted for years and has become a festering problem for the district,” the resident added.
