Former Teluk Kapas landfill set for major rehabilitation

Ramli (seated, left) and Syaiful signing the MOU to rehabilitate the former landfill in Klang. Looking on are Ng (standing, left) and Izham. — KK SHAM/The Star

A memorandum of understanding (MOU) has been inked for the rehabilitation of the former Teluk Kapas landfill in Klang, Selangor.

The signing between KDEB Waste Management Sdn Bhd (KDEBWM) and Landasan Lumayan Sdn Bhd (LLSB) took place at Bangunan Dewan Negeri Se­­lan­gor in Shah Alam.

KDEBWM managing director Datuk Ramli Mohd Tahir said the rehabilitation effort would turn the 32.37ha site into a resource recovery and inert waste management facility based on the principles of circular economy.

“Focus will be on exploring the development of an inte­grated resource recovery centre and inert landfill management facility, with the elements of site conservation, controlled inert waste management, material recovery and renewable energy integration.

“The operating model to be explored also aspires to increase the recovery rate of recyclable materials to 70% to 80%, depending on results of feasibility studies and technical assessments to be conducted.

Aerial view of the former Telok Kapas landfill. The rehabilitation project is deemed significant to address leachate that has polluted rivers around the area. — Filepic

“The MOU marks an important shift in how we view former landfills – not as an environmental liability, but an asset with the potential to generate economic and environmental value for Selangor,” he said.

He also listed some rehabilitation challenges such as long-term deposition, uneven landfill contour and slope stability.

“Nevertheless, the site’s location within the Klang-Shah Alam industrial and urban development corridor, huge land size and airspace potential make it strategic.

“KDEBWM views the rehabilitation project as a chance to strengthen resource recovery, reduce reliance on landfills and improve the recovery of materials having economic value,” he added.

LLSB managing director Syaiful Azmen Nordin said the project was significant to address leachate that had polluted rivers in Klang, Shah Alam and even Puchong.

“The rehabilitation can also contribute to Selangor’s low carbon emission and renewable energy goals.

“The MOU is a starting point for more detailed studies of how the site can be redeveloped.”

Witnessing the MOU signing was Selangor infrastructure and agriculture committee chairman Datuk Izham Hashim and local government and tourism committee chairman Datuk Ng Suee Lim.

Izham said the rehabilitation, if successfully carried out, could serve as a benchmark for other landfills in Selangor.

“The state government has been trying to rehabilitate the site, but faced problems of high cost.

“The MOU is a landmark and I really look forward to the project’s success,” he said.

Closed since 2007, the former landfill has accumulated about one million tonnes of legacy waste reaching about 15m tall.