KUALA SELANGOR, Aug 15 — The Selangor Land and Mines Office (PTG) has seized four heavy machines worth over RM200,000 used to manage an illegal rubbish disposal site in Kampung Seri Sentosa, Ijok.
The nine-hour integrated operation, conducted in collaboration with various agencies, took place on approximately 100 acres of privately-owned land that has been used as an illegal dumping ground for over nine years.
Selangor PTG Enforcement Division Assistant Director Muhammad Nadzirul Hafizi M. Daud said the operation was carried out to address the increasingly serious issue of illegal rubbish dumps.
“This matter has reached a rather worrying stage, so we are taking appropriate action against activities that cause a nuisance to the public.
“The state government and the implementing agencies take this issue seriously. Moving forward, we will strive to ensure that the problem of illegal dumping, especially in this area, is resolved more effectively,” he said after the operation yesterday.
During the joint operation, involving 100 enforcement officers and personnel, a one-tonne lorry belonging to a waste management company was also seized after it arrived to dispose of waste at the illegal dump site.
Tensions flared at another location when family members of the illegal dump site owner expressed dissatisfaction over the seizure of their machinery by the authorities.
Meanwhile, Nadzirul said they encountered difficulties during the operation as the dump site owner had deliberately sabotaged the machinery left on-site.
“We were obstructed when the owner sabotaged the machinery. Most of the machines had their tracks removed, batteries taken out, and fuel drained, rendering them inoperable.
“However, with our manpower and technical skills, we managed to overcome these obstacles. Resistance from members of the public is fairly common,” he said.
Local Misliza Misran, 47, said her family has faced threats from animals like venomous snakes and stray dogs due to the unmanaged illegal rubbish piles.
“How long are we expected to live like this? The smell is constant, especially when it rains. There are also so many flies.
"I really hope it can be stopped. We are very uncomfortable,” said the 12-year resident.
For the record, fires have been reported several times at the illegal dump site in Kampung Seri Sentosa, with the most recent incident occurring in July.
