GEORGE TOWN: The Jelutong Waste Disposal Site (TPSJ) will cease operations on Nov 30 to make way for rehabilitation works.
In a statement on Thursday (Oct 30), the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) said that the landfill located beside Jalan Perusahaan Jelutong on state-owned land currently serves as a disposal site for construction and demolition waste as well as excavated soil.
"Those who use the site are advised to begin using the Integrated Solid Waste Management Centre (ISWMC) in Ampang Jajar, in Central Seberang Perai, from Dec 1.
"The facility (ISWMC) will serve as the designated disposal centre moving forward.
"The disposal rate at ISWMC has been set at RM15 per metric tonne for licensed waste generators and transporters who obtain permits from MBPP's Urban Services Department," the statement on their official social media page read.
The statement further said that MBPP will take legal action against any individuals or companies found disposing of waste without approval.
"Offenders can be charged under the Local Government Act 1976, the Street, Drainage and Building Act 1974, and the Penang Island City Council Compounding of Offences (Street, Drainage and Building) By-Laws 2020.
"Under the Street, Drainage and Building Act, those convicted may face imprisonment of up to five years, a fine of up to RM50,000, or both.
"A further fine of RM500 per day may be imposed for continuing offences," it said.
MBPP then urged the public to report any illegal dumping activities via the MBPP hotline at 04-2637637 or through the Pearl e-aduan mobile application.
In 2023, The Star reported that PLB Engineering Bhd had signed a joint development agreement with the Penang government in 2020 to develop the RM1bil Jelutong landfill rehabilitation project.
The landfill on the Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway, a mere 3km from the heart of the city’s heritage enclave, has been dubbed a “gold mine” because it is the only large swathe of undeveloped land left in downtown.
To rehabilitate the landfill, extensive excavation, shore re-alignment and land re-engineering would be necessary.
It has been estimated that it could bring in billions of ringgit in gross development value.
The area had once been a sanitary landfill, but since 2002, only construction debris and garden waste have been dumped there.
