MBDK Environmental Services Department has cleared and closed down the illegal dumpsite which has been active for years at Taman Kem in Port Klang.
A total of 86 illegal dumpsites throughout Klang have been closed, says Klang deputy mayor Mohd Zary Affendi Mohd Arif.
Mohd Zary said it was crucial to shut down and clear the illegal dumpsites as they had potential to contaminate soil and groundwater hence posing significant threat to nearby water bodies.
“Earlier, Klang Royal City Council’s (MBDK) Environmental Services Department identified 140 illegal sites but through aggressive enforcement, 86 of them were closed.
“Some of these illegal dumpsites have streams and could contaminate water sources and cause health issues,” he said.
Mohd Zary added that based on public complaints, there were still 54 illegal dumpsites in operation and MBDK had targeted to shut all of them down by the end of this year.
He said, among the areas with illegal dumpsites still in operation were Jalan Sentosa, Bandar Bukit Tinggi 1, Jalan Yadi, Jalan Sungai Udang, Jalan Pelaburan 6, Sungai Kapar Indah and Jalan Batu 5, Klang Sentral.
“It is the work of unscrupulous people.
“We believe it could involve waste removal cartels as waste is brought in from outside Klang.
“Such irresponsible actions mar the city’s image and could lead to fires or release of harmful gases,” he said.
Mohd Zary revealed that MBDK spent an estimated RM100mil, or one third of the city council’s revenue through assessment tax, fees and fines, to clean up the rubbish piles in Sentosa, Bandar Klang and Meru.
“It is an exorbitant amount. If the monies are not used for clean-up, we can use it to upgrade neighbourhood fields or provide better children’s playground equipment,” he said.
“We need continuous strict enforcement to stop illegal dumping.”
In 2023, MBDK issued 1,659 compounds and seized vehicles used in dumping rubbish.
Mohd Zary said the city council received complaints from residents of acrid smog occurring in the wee hours of the morning at some sites.
Upon investigation, it found dumpsites were set on fire.
“Cost of clean up is a challenge and the other worry is the health risk these sites pose,” he added.
Mohd Zary thanked those who had lodged complaints on three-tonne lorries dumping industrial waste or renovation debris in the outskirts of Klang.
“We plan to strengthen our enforcement through collaborative efforts between MBDK and Rukun Tetangga, residents associations or village committees who are stakeholders by encouraging them to serve as volunteer lookouts,” he said.
He added that stakeholders could also actively contribute through monitoring and reporting evidence of illegal dumpsites to MBDK.
