RTI says KDEB's 22k summonses proof it can't manage an incinerator

Summary

• Anti-incinerator group says KDEB Waste Management’s 22,017 outstanding traffic summonses reflect the GLC's poor accountability and unfitness to manage an incinerator project.

• RTI warns that KDEB’s tendency to shift blame, as seen in the traffic offence issue, raises serious concerns about how it would respond to potential crises.

• It urges the Selangor government to cancel all contracts involving KDEB Waste Management and other parties linked to the incinerator.

Rawang Tolak Incinerator Network (RTI) brought up Kumpulan Darul Ehsan Bhd (KDEB) Waste Management's 22,017 outstanding summonses as proof that the GLC cannot manage an incinerator.

In a statement today, the group said the company's attempt to deflect blame also shows its lack of accountability and poor leadership.

"Let us be clear: If KDEB is already so quick to point fingers at contractors and subcontractors over 22,000 unresolved traffic offences, what will happen in the event of a disaster at the incinerator?

"A fire, toxic emissions, equipment failure, or worse - will they once again deny responsibility and shift the blame?" RTI asked.

Last week, Transport Minister Anthony Loke named and shamed 28 commercial vehicle operators with a high number of outstanding traffic summonses, with KDEB Waste Management emerging as the top offender.

In response, the company pointed to its large-scale operations and communication chain breakdowns as the reason for its summonses.

Its managing director Ramli Tahir told Bernama that the company is mulling amending agreements with subcontractors to address the issue.

KDEB Waste Management, a subsidiary of Selangor Menteri Besar Incorporated, will oversee the proposed waste-to-energy (WTE) incinerator in Rawang, Selangor, along with YTL Power International Bhd.

Call for contract termination

The proposed incinerator in Rawang - formally titled the Sultan Idris Shah Green Energy Plant - is one of several such plants approved by the Selangor state government.

Batu Arang residents have opposed the project over health, safety, and environmental concerns, including the town’s geographic structure due to its location on former open-cast coal mines, which the group said makes the land unstable and poses a risk of collapse.

RTI today further stated its disapproval of KDEB Waste Management's involvement in waste-related projects in Selangor.

"We, therefore, call on the Selangor state government to terminate all contracts and partnerships related to this incinerator project - not only with KDEB Waste management but with any company involved," it said.

It instead urged the authorities to implement sustainable, safe, and transparent waste management practices.

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