AUDIT REPORT The Penang Island Municipal Council (MPPP) needs to intensify monitoring in managing solid waste disposal to ensure its area of administration is always clean and free of contagious diseases.

According to the Auditor-General’s Report 2013, weaknesses in managing solid waste disposal could contribute to the spread of contagious diseases.

“The statistics on dengue fever, diarrhoea and malaria obtained from the Penang Health Department show diarrhoea recording the highest number of cases among the three.

“Among the weaknesses was pollution due to spilt leachate on roads and not cleaned up, amount of suspended solid waste at all locations around the landfills exceeding the standard allowed, rubbish bins that were too small to accommodate household solid waste, and delay in taking action on complaints pertaining to solid waste management,” it said.

The report suggested that MPPP draw up a standard operating procedure on solid waste collection and take stern action against contractors who failed to abide by the conditions set in their contract.

- Bernama