Deputy minister says frequent leaf blower use does not require impact studies, but health and environment guidance is followed for dust particles.

KUALA LUMPUR: The frequent use of leaf blowers in public cleansing does not require scientific studies like Social or Environmental Impact Assessments.

Deputy Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Aiman Athirah Sabu stated this when addressing concerns about airborne dust particles such as PM2.5 and PM10.

She was responding to a supplementary question from Senator Datuk Sivaraj Chandran in the Dewan Negara.

Aiman Athirah clarified that the ministry follows guidance from the Health Ministry and Environment Department on health impacts.

“Prolonged exposure to PM2.5 and PM10 can generally affect the respiratory and cardiovascular systems,” she said.

The ministry considers this in its operations and enforces compliance with established manuals, she added.

Answering the original question on official policy, she said mechanical equipment is allowed in public cleaning.

The details are in the government-approved Operational Manual for Solid Waste Collection and Public Cleansing Services.

These are included in concession agreements in seven states under Act 672.

Aiman Athirah said blowers boost productivity by collecting leaves, grass, and dust faster over a wider area.

This helps concession companies meet their Key Performance Indicators and service standards.

It also reduces reliance on foreign labour and eases worker shortages in public cleaning, she said.

 The Sun Malaysia