Experts urge Selangor to adopt smart waste tech and centralised monitoring to improve cleanliness, efficiency and sustainability following royal concerns
SHAH ALAM: Experts are urging the Selangor government to implement a centralised smart waste management system to address cleanliness issues and boost urban sustainability.
This follows numerous public complaints highlighted in a recent royal address by the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah.
Universiti Teknologi Mara senior lecturer Dr Mazlan Che Soh said technologies like IoT sensors and real-time monitoring could improve operational efficiency and reduce long-term costs.
“A technology-driven approach would not only strengthen the effectiveness of waste management but also position Selangor as a national and regional leader in smart and sustainable urban governance,” he said.
He recommended establishing clear, measurable key performance indicators for the system, including reduced public complaints and improved service compliance.
“These KPIs must be monitored regularly and supported by independent audits and public reporting,” Mazlan added.
He warned that unsystematic waste management harms a city’s image and investor confidence, particularly in key economic areas like the Klang Valley.
Mazlan said there is an urgent need to accelerate governance reforms at the local authority level to ensure higher accountability and responsiveness.
Meanwhile, Universiti Putra Malaysia’s Prof Dr Latifah Abd Manaf said solid waste should be viewed as a resource rather than a burden.
“With proper planning and strategy, waste can be transformed into a valuable resource, creating new economic opportunities while reducing pressure on landfill sites,” she said.
She advocated for an integrated management approach covering the entire chain from waste generation to disposal.
Latifah stressed that comprehensive measures are crucial to safeguard public well-being and maintain Selangor’s image as the nation’s primary economic growth centre. – Bernama
