Time to change the mindsets of the people
HAVE we ever stopped and pondered what would happen should the garbage collectors stop collecting our rubbish?
Can you imagine the stench from uncollected refuse piled up outside the compound, especially during festivities?
On average, the amount of municipal waste received at the Kuching Integrated Waste Management Park (KIWMP) is about 500 tonnes per day, which comes from both residential and commercial areas in and around the city.
A garbage collector is classified as one of the three D’s (3D) jobs; meaning dangerous, dirty and difficult.
Malaysian Employers Federation (MEF) executive director Datuk Shamsuddin Bardan was quoted as saying in a news report on Feb 17, 2016 that “Malaysians turn down employment opportunities in 3D industries not because of the small salaries but because the jobs are often construed as lowly or demeaning, and 3D jobs are looked down socially, and people doubt 3D jobs are given any recognition.”
What’s in a name?
So, what’s in a name? There have been talks about changing the designation from garbage collectors to “hygiene attendants” but the topic eventually died down.
Trienekens Group chief executive officer Stephen Chin said the rebranding of designation for garbage collectors is a matter of perception and empathy.
“The occupation has many names such as garbage man, waste collector or waste worker.
“In our official term, we call it the loader. Regardless of the name, one must understand this is a noble occupation and should be viewed in a positive light. The term may come across as demeaning depending on how it is viewed,” he told New Sarawak Tribune.
He also stressed the need for changing such perception and view it as the “most honourable work”.
“Without the loaders, cleaners, sanitary workers or city sweepers, we will not have a clean city to live in. We must remember that the workers are people of integrity, making an honest living.”
Meanwhile, Kota Samarahan Municipal Council (MPKS) chairman Datuk Peter Minos opined that “hygiene attendants” is definitely a better term for garbage collectors.
“Councils have long used the term “waste collectors”. If one day it is changed to “hygiene workers”, then why not? It is more dignified and appropriate term,” he said.
He said MPKS respects those workers collecting and disposing of waste as their line of work is very tough.
“Not many like their line of work. I salute these workers who do good work for the council and people,” he added.
People’s perceptions
On changing the people’s perception and mindset towards garbage collectors, Chin said most people are starting to better understand and appreciate the importance of waste management workers.
“We do receive a lot of positive and encouraging words from the public about how they appreciate the work that our teams do.”
“For us, we try to share as much as we can about our daily work and we engage with the public to gain a better understanding of one another,” he added.
Dealing with litterbugs
With regard to changing people’s attitudes, behaviour and habits especially in handling rubbish, Chin admitted that it is still an ongoing challenge and people cannot expect an overnight change in attitudes by just pointing out their weaknesses.
“We need to constantly and persistently create awareness and put in place a long-term education plan which can provide knowledge and skills for people to manage their waste properly,” he said.
Meanwhile, the MPKS chairman admitted that it is not easy to catch the litterbugs.
“There are rules and regulations against littering in all councils. There are also fines imposed on those who litter, that is, those who throw waste and rubbish indiscriminately anywhere.
“But it is not easy to catch them as they do not litter when council enforcement staff is around. Members of the public also do not come forward to report to the council,” Minos lamented.
However, Minos stressed that the best way for the council is to tell and educate the public to be socially responsible.
“We remind them (the public) to throw waste into the bins, respect public cleanliness, give warnings, repeatedly,” he emphasised.
Further strengthen awareness
According to Chin, Trienekens strives to deliver positive impacts to all levels of society through social investments such as education programmes, events, community development programmes, charitable contributions and more.
“We carry out awareness activities in schools, develop programmes and solutions that can help improve habits and practices, communicate with people via social media about the negative impacts of littering and so on.
“We also know we cannot work alone in this endeavour. Waste management is a broad issue affecting everybody and therefore, we work in partnership with various authorities, agencies, communities, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and education institutions to raise greater awareness, bringing forth the right knowledge and skills that can activate the change we desire.
“I believe this can be achieved with unwavering commitment from all parties,” he added.
On changing people’s mindsets
On the effectiveness of such programmes, Chin said such campaigns are good and very much needed.
“I think the good efforts should go beyond the scope of just an awareness campaign.
“It should be a long-term campaign with action plans comprising follow-ups, continuous monitoring, checking and where necessary, strengthened enforcement and imposed penalties to deter future recurrences.”
Reiterating his previous statement, he said changes cannot happen overnight and people take time to turn their habits around, adding, “but it is possible with consistent awareness education and enforcement as well as cooperation from all in the community.”
According to Minos, changing the mindset of the people against littering is easier said than done. “Teaching the young in schools against littering is a good start. However, changing mindsets takes time and needs lots of effort.”
Citing Japan as an example, where the Japanese had done it by continuously teaching their youngsters about the importance of cleanliness and the bad effects of waste thrown on the roads, drains and many others, Minos said this attitude is worth emulating.
Towards sustainability
On future plans of using technology for a more sustainable garbage collection process, Chin also stressed that as a service provider, the group needs to do the same to ensure that the business remains relevant and caters to the evolving requirements.
“Waste is now regarded as the new resource and the world is heading towards the circular economy.
“With in-depth research and development, we plan to optimise digitalisation in tandem with green technologies and use that to leverage the efficiency and effectiveness of our overall services.”
For MPKS, the council follows the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by holding meetings, seminars and workshops on public cleanliness and safety on good waste management to ensure a healthy and safe society.
