SHAH ALAM, March 27 — Selangor’s local authorities are stepping up a multi-pronged crackdown on illegal dumping this year, in a bid to deliver a cleaner environment for residents.
Menteri Besar Amirudin Shari had earlier said in his New Year message that the state government would intensify efforts to tackle illegal dumping, working with local councils and relevant agencies to strengthen enforcement and improve facilities.
Among the initiatives, the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) has rolled out the ‘PJ City Watch’ programme in identified hotspots, deploying portable closed-circuit television cameras to catch offenders.
A survey by Media Selangor involving several councillors found that local authorities have, over the years, introduced various measures such as installing CCTV cameras, tightening licensing conditions and holding discussions to address the issue, with some results already showing improvements in restoring the image of clean cities.
Klang gets tough on litterbugs
Klang Royal City Council (MBDK) councillor Ngian Yoke Mooi said the council has adopted a multi-layered approach, including approving RM1.267 million this year to increase waste collection frequency in 10 Malay villages to address insufficient collection services.
She said enforcement officers issue on-the-spot fines of RM10 for littering in public places such as bus stops, while CCTV cameras have been installed at multiple hotspots to enhance monitoring. To date, 47 cameras are in use to track illegal dumping activities.
She added that the council also collaborates with residents’ associations. For example, residents in Bandar Bukit Tinggi installed CCTV cameras at Jalan Kebun at their own expense and submitted footage to the council for enforcement action. The area, once a dumping hotspot, has seen marked improvement since.
“Once evidence is obtained via CCTV and the offender is identified, a fine of RM1,000 will be imposed. However, identifying individuals can take time, including tracing lorry owners,” she said.
Ngian noted that illegal dumping is further complicated by land ownership issues, with areas such as river reserves and vacant boundary land often turning into dumping grounds. As the council has no authority to seize such land, intervention from the land office is required, posing enforcement challenges.
She urged the public to act as the council’s “eyes and ears” by reporting offences to help improve the community environment.
Kajang imposes hefty fines
Kajang Municipal Council (MPKj) councillor Dickson Tan Tee Guan said the council takes a firm stance against illegal dumping. Lorries caught dumping waste are impounded for up to two weeks, with minimum fines reaching RM6,500 as a deterrent.
He said the council also deploys drones to monitor illegal dumping sites, currently operated by the urban cleanliness unit.
“At present, we only have one drone. If it proves effective and funds permit, we will consider acquiring more to strengthen enforcement,” he said.
He added that the council plans to expand impound yards for heavy vehicles, noting that enforcement operations in 2024 had led to a shortage of space due to the high number of seized lorries.
“With enforcement showing results, the number of illegal dumping sites has decreased, along with the number of seized vehicles,” he said.
Currently, hotspots in the area have been reduced from seven to four, although operators may relocate to new areas.
The council is also strengthening controls at source by requiring renovation permit applicants to declare registered waste contractors and disposal sites to curb illegal dumping.
“By reducing demand at the source, illegal dumping will naturally decline,” he said.
More CCTVs for Selayang
Selayang Municipal Council (MPS) councillor U Chin Ong said the council has aggressively expanded its CCTV installation programme, with 50 units to be installed across the area this year, yielding early results.
He said the council is also working with state assembly offices to install solar-powered CCTV cameras, with footage used for enforcement. Offenders may be fined RM1,000.
“For example, at Jalan Wangsa 2/6 in Taman Pinggiran, illegal dumping disappeared completely within two months after three CCTV units were installed,” he said.
U noted that CCTV not only helps gather evidence but also serves as a deterrent. The council is also using social media to raise public awareness and encourage compliance.
“Selayang was once labelled a ‘dirty city’, so the council is working hard to shed that negative image,” he said.
He stressed that tackling illegal dumping requires public cooperation, with ongoing education efforts through talks and outreach programmes on proper waste disposal and segregation.
Subang Jaya has a task force
Subang Jaya City Council (MBSJ) councillor Lee Jen Uyin said a special multi-agency task force had been set up years ago, involving the deputy mayor, environment department, enforcement and engineering units, police, land office, Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB) and Air Selangor to comprehensively address the issue.
She said the situation has come under control over the past one to two years, with portable solar-powered CCTV cameras deployed at hotspots and relocated once conditions improve.
“These cameras have auto-tracking features that record vehicle movements, number plates and individuals, providing evidence for enforcement,” she said.
Offenders face fines of RM1,000 if evidence is sufficient, while operators of large illegal dumping sites may be prosecuted in court.
Lee added that illegal dumping involves various types of land, including federal and state reserves, as well as land owned by the police, hospitals and private entities. Authorities will fence off affected areas and track down landowners, requiring them to properly manage their land to prevent further dumping.
