Kam says he can finally open the windows of his house without worrying about the bad smell.
SUNGAI Long residents in Kajang, Selangor, are able to breathe clean air after years of dealing with harmful gas emissions from an underground fire at an illegal dumpsite.
Taman Taming Indah resident Wong Yap Seng told StarMetro most of the underground rubbish had been removed and the area was now covered with a thick layer of soil after the fire was extinguished.
He urged Kajang Municipal Council (MPK) to carry out periodical inspections and maintenance of the site after the 18-month defect liability period ends.
Previously, it was reported that the 1.62ha land contained rubbish said to be equivalent to the height of a 13-storey building.
The bad odour associated with the emission was reportedly affecting residents living as far as 6km away from the dumpsite.
It was also reported that the Economy Ministry had allocated RM2mil to address the issue.
The repair works included covering up cracks on the site.
This was to help prevent harmful smoke from seeping out and methane gas (in the smoke) from reacting with oxygen, which produces toxic gas bearing the pungent smell.
Other works included the construction of drainage and catchment basins to channel away the water as well as installing a gas flaring system to control methane gas emission.
The site now also includes mesh fences and turf.
Works started on May 13 and ended in early October.
Tropicana Cheras Residents Association vice-chairman Kam Kim Tong said he could finally open his house windows without worrying about the bad smell.
He, however, raised concerns over the longevity of the solution.
“The ground may ‘burst’ again in one or two years’ time if the underground air pressure goes too big to be borne by the existing system.
“Promoting recycling practices and enhancing enforcement on illegal dumping are the best solutions for this matter,” he added.
