Kota Kinabalu battles 20% waste surge at Ramadan bazaars
Ramadan bazaars in Kota Kinabalu are seeing a sharp rise in waste, with daily collections jumping by 15 to 20 percent. The city's cleaning teams are working extended shifts to manage the extra rubbish, particularly at busy markets like Lintasan Deasoka. Supervisors stress that careful planning and teamwork are key to keeping the bazaars clean during the festival.
Around 20 to 25 Ramadan bazaars operate across Kota Kinabalu, with most run by private groups or local communities. The largest, Lintasan Deasoka, falls under the direct supervision of Kota Kinabalu City Hall (DBKK). Each night, once stalls close at about 7.30 pm, a dedicated team from DBKK's Solid Waste Management Department begins cleaning the site.
Waste levels during Ramadan average 500 to 600 tonnes per day—far higher than usual. Cleaning supervisor Wilson Kondo highlights the need for strict schedules and coordination to handle the surge. Workers like Marcella Felix note that familiarity with the area and strong teamwork help speed up the second round of cleaning after the bazaar ends. Post-bazaar clean-ups face hurdles, including late-closing stalls and delivery vehicles blocking access. Despite these challenges, DBKK collaborates with other departments to ensure waste is cleared efficiently from all bazaar locations.
The cleaning teams continue working in shifts, tackling both pre- and post-bazaar waste. Their efforts keep the markets running smoothly despite the increased workload. With waste volumes expected to remain high, the focus stays on maintaining schedules and team coordination.
