“Integrating GIS with the GeoEnviron Database System as a Robust Tool for Integrated Solid Waste Management in Malaysia”
Mr. Luk Ing Ping
by Mr. Luk Ing Ping, Environmental Information Systems Manager of Eco-Ideal Consulting Sdn. Bhd.
www.mapasia.org
6th Annual international conference and exhibition on geographical information technology and applications
Date: 14 – 16 August 2007
Venue: Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre
Abstract
Solid Waste Management (SWM) is a major urban challenge in Malaysia. Increases in the waste generation rate from economic development coupled with the increasing complexity of waste characteristics demand a more responsive management strategy from the authority to ensure that public health and the environment are protected. A holistic and strategic monitoring plan for SWM is by far the most complex to execute when compared to other urban utilities such as sewage or water supply, where the actual flow of material is transported in sewers and pipes. Solid waste however is collected by vehicles that run on countless possible routes with different destinations. This requires comprehensive and reliable data and information for planning and monitoring purposes.
Currently, the availability of solid waste related data is limited to data managed by individual local authorities and waste contractors. The lack of readily available data hinders decision making as well as the monitoring of performance. With the introduction of the new Solid Waste Management & Public Cleansing Act and the ambitious plan of federalizing SWM in the country, there is an urgent need to establish a centralized, comprehensive solid waste data management system. This paper presents the on-going efforts in developing an integrated data management system to cater for increasing data and information needs. The paper will emphasize on how the integration of GIS with the GeoEnviron Database System can be used to meet the tasks and requirements of integrated SWM in Malaysia.
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