SUBANG Jaya City Council (MBSJ) is looking into prosecuting perpetrators involved in open burning at an illegal dumpsite near Taman Bukit Serdang Section 5 in Seri Kembangan, Selangor.
The fire, believed to have been started on Feb 17, prompted an immediate response from MBSJ’s Rapid Response Team.
MBSJ, in a social media post, said its Rapid Response Team operations centre was alerted about the fire and it dispatched eight members to assist firefighters from Seri Kembangan Fire and Rescue Department.
“The fire had spread towards the lower portion of the rubbish pile.
“This led to plumes of smoke being carried towards Maju Expressway and affecting motorists’ visibility.
“Fire department vehicles carted 10 tanks’ worth of water to battle and extinguish the flames contained within the piles of rubbish,” read the council’s post.
The operation was suspended at 6.45pm that same day because of the complexity of the situation.
It resumed at 9am on Feb 18 and the fire was finally put out at 6.40pm.
An investigation by MBSJ found that the illegal dumpsite involved two plots of land.
“A check with Petaling District and Land Office (PTD) revealed that part of the land is designated for a primary school and another part for low-cost flats,” said MBSJ in a follow-up statement.
“Based on its records, PTD said no land grant details were available and no ownership has been acquired for the two plots.”
While the council does not have the authority to take legal action on land-related matters, MBSJ said it would be looking into taking legal action for offences related to waste disposal and earthworks.
If convicted, the party responsible could be slapped with a fine of RM50,000.
The city council added that it was also pursuing an injunction to stop waste disposal activities in the area.
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