Toxic waste found at garbage dump

SHAH ALAM: Toxic waste have been found buried beneath piles of domestic waste at nine illegal dumpsites in the Kuala Selangor and Gombak districts. 

Two of the sites were found at Batu Arang and Sungai Buaya while seven others around Rawang, said Selangor Department of Environment (DOE) director Kalsom Abdul Ghani. 

The sites, however, had since been cleared and the toxic wastes disposed off properly, she said. 

Kalsom said the state DOE also oversaw the cleaning up of another four illegal dumpsites reported by the public. 

The department was investigating the 13 cases and would not hesitate to bring the culprits to court, she told The Star. 

“We have already filed two cases at the Shah Alam sessions court and in the process of bringing another three parties to court,” she said, adding that the charges will most probably be ready next week. 

The toxic materials included paint waste, glue and chemicals used in the construction industry.  

The illegal sites were discovered in an anti-toxic waste dumping search conducted in the past two months, said Kalsom. 

Kalsom warned that the state DOE would not tolerate indiscriminate dumping of waste. 

The public can call the DOE state hotline at 03-55197233 (8am-7pm) or call 012-22451640 (24 hours) to tip-off the department of environmental violations.