THREE sites in Telok Panglima Garang in Kuala Langat, Selangor, have been raided in an enforcement operation targeting illegal dumpsites and open burning activities.
The April 25 operation by Kuala Langat Municipal Council (MPKL) in Bandar Tropicana Aman also uncovered unauthorised workers’ quarters and two forklifts believed to have been used by dumpsite operators.
The vehicles were seized while orders were issued to demolish the illegal quarters.
The landowners have been given 30 days to clear the site.
“Notices were also issued for various offences under local council by-laws.
“MPKL will continue to step up enforcement operations to ensure the municipality’s safety and cleanliness,” it said in a statement.
The operation follows a StarMetro report on April 21 highlighting residents’ complaints about worsening air quality caused by open burning at nearby illegal dumpsites.
They stressed that the issue had persisted despite repeated formal complaints.
In a separate statement, Selangor Department of Environment (DOE) said illegal scrap metal collection and processing had been identified as a key factor driving the increase in open burning in the area.
Its director Datuk Wandi Yadzid Yaakob said investigations found several sites in Bandar Tropicana Aman being used in the burning of solid waste to extract metals.
“The perpetrators had trespassed on these privately owned sites and used them as illegal dumpsites,” he said in response to the news report.
Enforcement actions included issuing notices to landowners to carry out remedial and preventive measures under Environmental Quality Act 1974.
“Several received compounds for repeated offences and for failing to comply with initial instructions,” Wandi Yadzid said.
Warmer days linked to the El Nino phenomenon, combined with the area’s peat soil – known for its flammability – presented additional challenges, he said.
“Extremely hot and dry weather has caused vegetation and waste to become highly flammable, allowing fires to spread more rapidly.
“Fires can spread underground where lower groundwater levels make detection and extinguishing them more difficult.”
Those with information on open burning can call the DOE hotline at 1-800-88-2727 or file complaints via e-aduan.gov.my
