AN elected representative is calling for stricter penalties against polluters, as concerns mount over Kuala Langat’s deteriorating environmental quality in recent years.
Its MP Datuk Dr Ahmad Yunus Hairi said toxic fumes from open burning and illegal dumpsites were becoming increasingly widespread, particularly in Telok Panglima Garang and Jenjarom, despite action against culprits following complaints from residents.
In a social media post, he said the situation underscored the need to review existing laws to better safeguard the environment and communities.
“Despite enforcement action by authorities, activities that pollute the environment appear to have increased,” he said.
“This begs the question: are the fines imposed too low?
“The government must review the penalties to ensure they act as a sufficient deterrent.”
Ahmad Yunus’ remarks followed an April 21 StarMetro report on open burning near Bandar Tropicana Aman in Telok Panglima Garang.
Residents expressed suspicions that the fumes were linked to operations at illegal dumping grounds around the township.
In response, Kuala Langat Municipal Council acknowledged the problem of open burning, but denied it was caused by operations of dumpsites.
Ahmad Yunus also highlighted past incidents, including those involving a battery factory in Kampung Sijangkang and an illegal waste disposal facility operating in Jalan Sungai Rambai.
StarMetro previously reported on several issues in Kuala Langat, including a paper processing factory in Taman Bakti, Banting, in 2020, and the Kampung Sijangkang battery factory the following year.
The former report examined the discharge of industrial effluent into waterways, while the latter detailed local grievances about potential pollution from the factory.
Another article in July 2022 reported on three illegal e-waste factories operating in Telok Panglima Garang that resulted in fines totalling RM500,000 and closure order by the Selangor Environment Department.
Ahmad Yunus, who is also Sijangkang assemblyman, said he had raised some of these issues during state assembly sittings, but no concrete outcome had been achieved.
“If no concerted action is taken, residents will continue to become victim to poor environmental quality,” he said.
His post drew responses from residents highlighting other environmental problems in the municipality.
Adi Surya Umri raised concerns over possible discharge of industrial waste into a waterway along Jalan Batu 9 Kebun Baru, heading towards Jalan Manggis Batu 9 Kampung Medan in Telok Panglima Garang.
“Locals have been dealing with the deteriorated ecosystem and resulting odour for years,” he said.
Abdul Hakim Yahaya, meanwhile, was worried about acrid fumes emanating from a factory along Jalan Sijangkang Utama.
“It smells like burnt plastic,” he said, adding that activities typically took place in the wee hours of the morning.
Andy Chen echoed similar concerns, noting that most incidents took place at night and tended to intensify during downpours.
