The Housing Ministry and SWCorp are ramping up enforcement, including a new armed unit, to combat illegal dumping syndicates after shutting down over 3,600 sites this year.
KUALA LUMPUR: The Housing and Local Government Ministry (KPKT) is backing a tough new approach to stamp out illegal waste disposal by syndicates.
Minister Nga Kor Ming said the ministry fully supports the Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management Corporation’s (SWCorp) plan to establish an armed enforcement unit.
“Illegal waste disposal activities driven by syndicates must be tackled firmly and without compromise,” Nga said at a programme here today.
He highlighted that 3,634 illegal dumpsites across seven states and two federal territories were shut down as of October, the highest number since the Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management Act 2007 took effect.
The crackdown has involved extensive intelligence-led operations.
Authorities cleared 1,530 metric tonnes of waste and brought 22 cases to court, imposing fines totalling RM385,000 from 4,268 operations.
Enforcement efforts have also targeted the vehicles used in these illegal activities.
Since 2015, SWCorp has seized 185 vehicles, with 23 confiscated this year alone. “Punitive actions taken, such as applications for court-ordered forfeiture,” Nga added.
The minister credited coordinated enforcement and technology for the operations’ success.
This includes a new special task force, a SWCorp mobile app, a complaints hotline that has received over 1,400 reports, and the installation of 47 CCTV cameras at hotspot locations.
Beyond tackling illegal dumping, SWCorp plays a vital role in disaster response.
Nga noted its mobilisation of nearly 1,000 workers and 304 machinery units during the recent monsoon and Tropical Storm Senyar, which led to the proper disposal of almost 1,200 tonnes of waste.
Looking ahead, SWCorp will introduce reforms under the 13th Malaysia Plan.
These include adopting electric-powered disposal vehicles and expanding night-time cleaning schedules to protect workers from extreme heat and ease operations.
Today’s programme, Nga said, reflects KPKT’s ongoing commitment to combating illegal dumping comprehensively.
The focus remains on high-impact, nationwide enforcement under Act 672.
