State Gerakan vice-chairman Oh Tong Keong said since the collection of rubbish was funded through “cukai pintu” (assessment rates) paid by landowners to the city and municipal councils, the state government must explain where this new revenue source will go.
He said the Penang government stands to make a lot of money from recyclables, judging from a survey on recycling shops recently made by Gerakan.
“We are not against waste separation, but we want more accountability on where the monies from the recyclables go to.
“Perhaps the money could be used to give discounts on existing cukai pintu or cukai tanah (land taxes)?
“Or maybe the money could be used to repay a Chinese government loan that Penang intends to take?” Oh said in a press conference at the state party headquarters here today.
The Penang government announced a strict waste separation policy of food waste and recyclables since June 1. Those flouting the law can be fined RM250.
Oh said based on a recent survey at two recycling shops in George Town, copper and aluminium recyclables yielded high prices, while used compact discs also fetched high prices.
Oh said Penang’s city and municipal councils require recycling centres to obtain licences.
He said the yearly licences were between RM50 and RM100.
“Those who do not separate waste can be fined RM250 or brought to court and fined RM2,000. And imposing licensing fees on recycling centres are also revenue streams,” Oh said.