Special team set up to handle illegal dumping in S'gor

PETALING JAYA: All local councils in Selangor will soon have a special enforcement unit to handle illegal dumping and littering issues.
Initiated by the Selangor state government to tackle the rise in cases of illegal dumping and littering in the state, its state executive councillor in charge of local councils Ean Yong Hian Wah said the unit is necessary to go hard on those who dump their rubbish illegally and litter the place.
"The state government has been lenient in its enforcement and people are taking advantage of the leniency. We think its time to be serious and take stern action. The unit will only focus on illegal dumping and littering cases," he said after officiating the Petaling Jaya Waste Summit 2015 organised by the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) today.
Ean Yong said the unit will kick-start next year as they were currently awaiting Attorney-General Chamber's feedback on its Waste Management Enactment.
“The Enactment was submitted so as to ensure everything listed in it does not contradict or overlap with the existing Solid Waste Management and Public Cleansing 2007 Act (Act 672),” he added.
As to its status, Ean Yong said the AG Chamber's informed that they are seeking a second opinion on the Enactment and if there is no feedback by next month, then they will consider making it (Enactment) as part of the by-laws.
He added the Enactment will also help better regulate the contractors to ensure they dispose rubbish at designated sites and not at illegal dumping grounds.
Meanwhile, MBPJ mayor Mohd Azizi Mohd Zain said the council has an enforcement team who monitors illegal dumpings within Petaling Jaya.
To date the team has issued 17 compounds and taken two cases to court, he added.