An MPT worker cleaning up an illegal dumpsite near Jalan Keretapi Lama in Kampung Boyan, Taiping. The council plans to instal more CCTVs to nab offenders. — Filepic
SETTLEMENTS outside the jurisdiction of the Taiping Municipal Council (MPT) are contributing to the increase in illegal dumpsites, says Perak housing and local government committee chairman Sandra Ng Shy Ching.
However, she said the state government was making efforts to deal with the problem by providing allocations for waste collection outside the municipality.
“We are hoping this initiative will help reduce the problem of illegal dumping at these locations.
“As for the management of illegal dumpsites within the council’s jurisdiction, cleaning works are carried out periodically based on the number of hotspots identified, with continuous monitoring and enforcement action,” Ng said during the Perak state assembly sitting.
She was replying to a question from Ong Seng Guan (PH-Pokok Assam) who asked on the efforts taken to curb the mushrooming of illegal dumpsites.
Besides education and awareness programmes, he asked if there would be stricter enforcement and if the state government would provide funds to instal CCTV cameras at the hotspots.
Ng said plainclothed enforcement officers were deployed to the illegal dumpsites and they had given warnings and issued compounds to the offenders.
“The council will also instal more CCTV cameras at several hotspot areas,” she said.
Between January and November this year, she said MPT had issued 113 compounds amounting to RM28,250.
Three CCTV cameras were installed so far at the Kamunting Night Market, Taiping bus station and the Matang landfill.
Ng said the state was now formulating a comprehensive action plan regarding solid waste management but would prioritise illegal dumping matters.
“The state also plans to work with the private sector to ‘adopt’ illegal waste hotspots in municipalities by sponsoring the installation of CCTV cameras.
“Tax exemptions can be given to private parties that provide sponsorship and CSR contributions in an effort to strengthen enforcement,” added Ng.
