For over two decades, Juriah Bahriyum, 64, and her daughter Norzilawati Yacob, 37, have quietly operated a modest recycling centre in SS17, doing their part to promote sustainability long before it became trendy. But their commitment to the environment hit a stumbling block this April when they were served with a 24-hour eviction notice by the Subang Jaya City Council (MBSJ).
The notice, dated April 9, 2025, cited resident complaints regarding cleanliness and overaccumulation of items on site. MBSJ stated that multiple earlier warnings to clean up had gone unheeded, including a formal March 10 directive to clear all collected items. The directive, however, came during the Ramadan fasting month and was followed closely by the Hari Raya celebrations, a period Juriah and Norzilawati say typically sees a spike in drop-offs.
Following an intervention by the ADUN Subang Jaya’s office, MBSJ agreed to extend a grace period. A second notice dated April 30 gave the operators until July 10 to comply with three conditions: no storing of recyclables outside the centre, maintaining cleanliness of the premises and surroundings, and sending daily photo updates to the Urban Services Department.
Speaking to SJ Echo, Juriah said they’ve worked hard to comply since receiving the notice. “We no longer store items at the front or back. Everything is cleared quickly often on the same day. It’s much more organised now,” she explained.
Her daughter Norzilawati echoed her sentiments, adding that they have met all the requirements laid out by the council and are hopeful that their operating licence will be renewed beyond the deadline. “This centre isn’t just ours — it belongs to the community,” she said.
Indeed, SJ Echo observed a steady flow of residents dropping off recyclables during a recent visit not just from Subang Jaya, but from neighbouring Petaling Jaya as well. With growing public awareness on Reduce, Reuse and Recycle (3R) principles, the SS17 centre has become a trusted stop for those looking to make greener choices.
For now, Juriah and Norzilawati are holding out hope that their efforts to stay clean and compliant will win them a second chance and the opportunity to continue serving a community that has quietly come to depend on them.
SS17 Rukun Tetangga chairman Teh Eng Hock who was contacted for his feedback applauded the effort by Juriah and Norzilawati.
“Continue the good work. As long as you comply with MBSJ guidelines, we are happy. Important thing is compliance to keep it clean and tidy; we are happy no matter who operates it. Like any other business, if you comply, then you are in the clear,” he said.
