SABAK BERNAM: Some 300 illegal dumpsites are slated to be closed nationwide by the end of this year, says the Local Government Development Ministry.
Minister Nga Kor Ming said moves are being made to close the sites, which are an environmental hazard, especially during the current heatwave.
The ministry has closed 128 illegal dumpsites, exceeding the 100 previously targeted, he added.
“We intend to close 300 illegal waste disposal sites this year alone, particularly in Selangor, which has many industrial areas,” he told reporters yesterday after taking a tour of Sekinchan town.
Nga said it is time to overcome the problem of illegal dumpsites, which has been going on for a long time.
He said discussions will be held, particularly with the Selangor government, on implementing the Solid Waste Management and Public Cleansing Act 2007 (Act 672).
He said this will mainly involve contractors appointed to handle waste disposal from the industrial areas.
Separately, Nga said the Fire and Rescue Department is all prepared for the hot weather.
He said that this year, the ministry received an additional RM46.15mil in allocations specifically for the department to purchase equipment.
Nga also announced nine local projects in Sekinchan costing more than RM2.52mil.
They include installing LED billboards on Sekinchan Street, upgrading the drainage system along the Sabak Bernam main road, replacing shop roofs, and installing roller shutters and cables in front of the market.
