By Sheeda Fathil
HULU LANGAT, June 24 — The state government detected 215 illegal waste dumping activities from 2018 to last year.
State executive councillor for local government Dato' Ng Suee Lim said this success is due to the enforcement efforts of local authorities, the District and Land Offices, the Selangor Water Management Authority, and the Department of Environment.
As as a result of continuous monitoring and enforcement, the number of illegal waste dumping sites has decreased to only 57 locations.
“That is the number we have managed to identify, but I believe there are still many more illegal activities happening around the state that might be hidden from our view.
“However, I urge the local authorities, the District and Land Offices, and related agencies to monitor these illegal activities so they can be reduced,” he said.
Ng was speaking to the press during a monitoring operation at an illegal dumping site in Bandar Mahkota Cheras today.
The councillor also urged the local authorities to not only limit themselves to issuing fines to such illegal syndicates but to also impose heavier punishments, including seizures or prosecution in court.
“Sometimes fines do not deter them, but if we seize the machinery or lorries used by these syndicates or prosecute them in court, it might have an effect.
“I also warn individuals involved in illegal waste dumping to comply with the laws and dispose of waste in the proper places if they do not want to face action,” he said.
Earlier, Ng conducted the monitoring with the Kajang Municipal Council, the Selangor Water Management Authority, and the Department of Environment.
He also suggested installing closed-circuit television cameras in areas where illegal dumping is suspected to take place.
“We also ask for the public's cooperation if they have information or evidence related to these illegal activities and to inform the relevant agencies so action can be taken,” Ng said.
[caption id="attachment_361518" align="aligncenter" width="938"]
State executive councillor for local government Dato' Ng Suee Lim (kneeling) during a monitoring operation at an illegal dumping site in Bandar Mahkota Cheras, on June 24, 2024. — Picture by FIKRI YUSOF/SELANGORKINI[/caption]
