AGENCIES in Kuala Langat, Selangor, are facing increased calls to step up action against illegal dumping in the municipality.
This came after several residents’ complaints were received by the Kuala Langat Municipal Council (MPKL) in recent weeks.
Councillor Ang Eu Liang asked MPKL to hold a joint press conference with the district and land office to disclose measures taken to address the issue.
“The conference will allow the authorities to clarify and explain steps being taken,” he said during the council’s full board meeting.
MPKL president Mohd Hasry Nor Mohd, in response, said the local authority relied on public feedback to track down culprits and locate illegal dumping sites.
“Many such sites are located in rural and hard-to-reach areas, which makes it hard for us to detect them.
“This is why we rely on local communities and councillors to keep the authorities informed.”
Mohd Hasry said MPKL has collaborated with the land and district office to identify owners of properties where illegal dumpsites were found.
“We will issue a notice for the landowners to take action to safeguard their properties,” he said, adding that this was a requirement under the National Land Code 1965.
On Aug 14, the local council took action against the owner of a dumpsite at Jalan Waja 14 in Telok Panglima Garang for operating without approval.
A lorry was also seized during the operation.
Mohd Hasry added that MPKL worked with the Fire and Rescue Department and Department of Environment to address open burning at illegal dumpsites.
“We provide support in the form of manpower and excavators.
“But this is costly as the excavators cost RM1,800 a day to operate.
“An operation to deal with open burning may take up to five days, which adds more cost for MPKL,” he added.
On a related matter, the council president said MPKL has spent RM10.4mil on waste management as of July 31.
This figure represented nearly 90% of MPKL’s total development expenditure (RM11.8mil) so far, he added.
Kuala Langat council, he said, has seen an increased number of account holders in recent years, numbering more than 116,000, which contributed to increased waste.
Those with information on illegal dumping may contact MPKL at 012-300 4130 or via mpkl.spab.gov.my
