Perlis Flood Cleanup Clears 1,258 Tonnes

When the monsoon rains swamped Perlis in late November, the damage was not limited to water‑logged homes. Streets, fields and public spaces became littered with debris, broken furniture and hazardous waste. From 29 November to 6 December, the Solid Waste and Public Cleaning Management Corporation (SWCorp) mobilised a massive operation at the Rimba Mas Sanitary Disposal Site in Padang Besar. 189 staff members, backed by 65 pieces of machinery, worked round the clock to lift, sort and transport the material.

The effort resulted in the collection of 1,258.03 tonnes of waste – a figure that underscores both the scale of the flood’s aftermath and the community’s resolve to restore normalcy. The operation was not just about clearing rubbish; it was a coordinated public‑health response, preventing disease outbreaks and protecting the environment from further contamination.

Local authorities praised the swift coordination, noting that the rapid removal of waste helped reopen key transport routes and allowed businesses to resume operations sooner than expected. Residents, too, expressed relief, seeing the visible signs of recovery as a promise that the region could bounce back stronger.

Looking ahead, the success of this campaign sets a benchmark for future disaster‑response plans. It highlights the importance of pre‑positioned equipment, trained personnel and clear communication channels between agencies and the public.

For anyone living in flood‑prone areas, this story shows how decisive action can limit long‑term health risks and economic loss. It also illustrates the value of investing in robust waste‑management infrastructure before a disaster strikes, a lesson that can be applied to other Malaysian states and beyond.

The cleanup not only removed physical debris but also mitigated secondary hazards such as water‑borne diseases and environmental pollution. By restoring safe public spaces quickly, the effort protected vulnerable populations and helped stabilise the local economy, demonstrating how effective waste management is a cornerstone of disaster recovery.