By Amar Shah Mohsen
SHAH ALAM, Nov 15 — A proposed enactment on solid waste management and public cleansing in Selangor, which failed to get the nod of the previous Federal government, is now back on the table for consideration.
This was confirmed by executive councillor for local government Ng Suee Lim, who said the move also aims to address the issue of rampant illegal dumping activities in the state.
Speaking in the Selangor Legislative Assembly, Ng said plans to introduce the enactment was originally made in 2020, but the matter was not approved by the then federal administration despite multiple applications.
He explained that the proposal to enforce Selangor’s own enactment was made considering the existing state by-law on waste collection, management and disposal under the Local Government Act 1976 (Act 171) lacks bite, with only a maximum fine of RM2,000 allowed.
Now, following the change of government in Putrajaya, Ng revealed that the state government is taking steps to bring the enactment back to life.
“A proposal to replace the by-law (under Act 171) with a new enactment was tabled in the executive council on December 14, 2022,” he said today, in response to a question from Kajang assemblyman Cheong Kian Young on the scores of illegal dumping sites operating in the state.
“The executive council later on June 7, 16 and 17 discussed and rejected the suggestion to use the Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management Act 2007 (Act 672) for the purpose of waste management and public cleaning in Selangor.
“The council agreed that a new enactment be drafted and gazetted for this, in line with existing legislations.”
Ng said the draft enactment is now being reviewed and scrutinised together with all local authorities, before the matter is considered for approval by the executive council.
He also revealed that today, a total of 51 illegal dumping sites are still operating statewide, of which 18 are under the Subang Jaya City Council, followed by Hulu Selangor Municipal Council (13), Selayang Municipal Council (eight), Kajang Municipal Council (eight), Kuala Selangor Municipal Council (three) and Kuala Langat Municipal Council (one).
Previously on February 17, 2020, former executive councillor for local government Ng Sze Han had said that Selangor will not be a party to Act 672, which is an agreement that handles areas including waste management, waste import licences and fee collection for enforcement.
He said instead, the state will enforce its own enactment on waste management and public cleansing once it receives the green light from the Federal government.
