MPK’s Pantas squad and Kuala Selangor Fire and Rescue Department working together to put out smouldering plastic resin at the illegal dumpsite at Sungai Serdang, Kapar. — Photo courtesy of MPK
KLANG Municipal Council’s (MPK) Environmental Services Department removed about 60 tonnes of illegally discarded waste at Batu 14, Sungai Serdang, Kapar in Klang over the week.
Among the items dumped there were shredded plastic resin, renovation debris and domestic waste.
Located 12km from Kapar town, the illegal dumpsite can be accessed via a private dirt road that overlooks an oil palm plantation bordering Kuala Selangor.
This illegal dumpsite had been shut down in 2021 and at the time, six tipper lorries were seized.
“We have asked Tenaga Nasional Bhd to instal closed-circuit television cameras within a week to serve as a deterrent, as the dumpsite is located close to high-tension electrical pylons,” said MPK deputy president Elya Marini Darmin, who visited the site where mounds of waste were seen scattered along 11 private lots.
“Our council’s Special Action Squad (Pantas) along with Kuala Selangor Fire and Rescue Department had to put out smouldering shredded plastic resin after it was set on fire.
“The fire created a hazy atmosphere and produced a foul smell that polluted the environment and affected the well-being of nearby residents,” she said.
Although it was tough work, Elya said good teamwork saw all 14 men from Pantas and Fire and Rescue Department eventually putting out the fire.
They also used a long excavator arm to dig out and remove the smouldering plastic resin.
She said the path to the illegal dumpsite went past a feedmill and the burning of the shredded plastic resin produced acrid fumes that affected people working in the area.
“We have requested for the feedmill company to build a boom gate to discourage tipper lorries from accessing the illegal dumpsite.
“The ‘revival’ of this illegal dumpsite came to light after residents complained of feeling sick from smoke emanating from the place,” said Elya.
MPK Environmental Services Department director Zaireezal Ahmad Zainuddin said several measures had been taken since the 2021 incident, including digging ditches and placing concrete barriers to block access.
“There were no reports of illegal dumping in 2022 here.
“But following the latest incident, we will heighten our patrols around the Kapar border.
“This irresponsible action has cost us a lot of man hours.
“Our department had to use about 20 roll-on roll-off bins as of Friday and six tipper lorries to remove the rubbish,” said Zaireezal.
Elya said MPK had issued warning letters to the area’s landowners to cooperate with the authorities and ensure their property was not used for illegal dumping, as that flouted the National Land Code 1965.
Under the National Land Code, landowners are responsible for maintaining the cleanliness of their land.
Failure to do so will result in fines and confiscation of their land.
Meanwhile, Klang Consumer Association president Devadass Anjan said illegal dumping had put an entire community at risk, as waste that was burnt at the site released toxic gases into the air.
“Dumping and burning plastic waste also poses a danger to animals and can contaminate local water sources.
“I urge the public to alert MPK if they come across illegal dumpsites, so action can be taken to clear them immediately,” he said.
