KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 2,093 illegal dumpsites were closed last year with a clean-up cost of about RM1.6mil, says Nga Kor Ming.
The Housing and Local Development Minister said that 6,410 tonnes of waste were cleared here and in several states following action under the Solid Waste Management Act 2007 (Act 672).
Nga said that the areas involved are the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, Melaka, Negri Sembilan, Johor, Perlis, Pahang and Kedah, and added that there were 15 successful prosecutions with fines totalling RM168,000 handed down.
He added that the closure of an 18,000 sq ft illegal dumpsite found 800 to 1,000 tonnes of industrial and bulk waste along Jalan Davis here.
“It involved the effort of 14 SWCorp and 20 Alam Flora personnel and 10 Kuala Lumpur City Hall officers (to clear it) The source is identified as originating from surrounding development areas within a 30km radius," said Nga.
“The follow up action that will be taken after the cleaning-up works include installing banners, placing stone barricades and installing CCTV,” he added.
Also present at the event was the ministry's secretary-general Datuk Wira M Noor Azman Taib, Cheras MP Tan Kok Wai as well as Federal Territories Solid Waste Management and Public Cleansing Corporation (SWCorp) director Ummi Kalthum Shuib and SWCorp chairman Hee Loy Sian.
“We will not compromise if this situation persists; the ministry is considering amending the laws to double the fines. Jail terms will also be considered for repeat offenders,” said Nga.
He urged the public to contact the SWCorp hotline at 1800-887-472 for any information on illegal dumpsites so that immediate action can be taken.
