A TOWN hall by Kajang Municipal Council (MPKj) on waste management last month saw very little sharing of data.
While the session outlined current arrangements with concessionaires and the planned transition to a waste-to-energy (WTE) system, it failed to present a complete system of waste governance.
Notably absent was any explanation on bulk waste concessionaires and the role of Public Works Department (JKR) in managing waste and landscape maintenance along federal roads.
Mandatory waste segregation at source should be implemented to ensure that industrial waste, food waste, plastic waste and recyclable materials are removed from general waste streams destined for the Sungai Lalang Landfill in Semenyih (bulk waste) and Tanjung Duabelas Sanitary Landfill and WTE incinerator in Kuala Langat.
This must be supported by the immediate development of infrastructure for dedicated collection systems for food waste, facilities for bulk waste and separate handling of recyclables and plastics, with plastics directed only to appropriate sanitary landfill systems rather than incineration.
There should be full disclosure of waste composition and characteristics of municipal solid waste, including all waste categories managed within MPKj.
Transparency in waste data is essential for evidence-based policy and public accountability.
Equally important is disclosure of the environmental and public health status of all waste disposal sites within MPKj, including open dumpsites and landfills.
This must include independent assessment of environmental risks, leachate management, groundwater contamination risks, air quality impacts and occupational health conditions.
Furthermore, a transparent assessment of the environmental and public health risks associated with the proposed WTE incineration system, including emissions, ash disposal, dioxins and furans risks and cumulative health impacts on surrounding communities is essential.
There has also been no public disclosure of waste management cost structures, including landfill tipping fees or projected WTE costs, nor any clarity on how these will impact residents’ assessment tax rates.
On the ground, residents continue to face persistent operational failures, including irregular waste collection, inadequate infrastructure and facilities, as well as illegal dumping and open burning.
These concerns are further compounded by weak enforcement and fragmented governance across MPKj, its concessionaires and relevant federal agencies.
Under the Local Government Act 1976 (Act 171), Environmental Quality Act 1974 (Act 127) and Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management Act 2007 (Act 672), local authorities are legally obliged to ensure transparency, environmental protection and public accountability in waste governance.
Kajang residents therefore urgently call upon MPKj to:
• Provide full disclosure of waste composition data and classification;
• Disclose environmental and public health status reports of all waste disposal sites;
• Publish a comprehensive risk assessment of the proposed WTE incineration system;
• Implement mandatory waste segregation infrastructure for food, plastic, recyclables and landscape waste;
• Clarify inter-agency responsibilities, including JKR’s role; and
• Ensure transparency in waste disposal costs and their impact on assessment rates.
Waste management is not merely an operational service – it is a matter of public health, environmental justice and legal accountability.
The time for full disclosure and meaningful reform is now.
A CONCERNED RESIDENT
Kajang
