SHAH ALAM, Aug 18 — The Kuala Langat Municipal Council (MPKL) has received over 20 complaints this year regarding open burning, most of which were linked to land clearing for agricultural activities.
The Star reported that MPKL Solid Waste and Environmental Health Department director Norain Mohamed said the complaints prompted joint enforcement operations involving multiple agencies.
“Joint operations are needed as open burning falls under the jurisdiction of several agencies.
“Our inspections have also uncovered a handful of premises carrying out recycling activities in the locality,” she said during a recent town hall meeting with residents from Bandar Tropicana Aman at Telok Panglima Garang.
Norain was addressing resident complaints regarding recurring smoke and odors from open burning on nearby agricultural and vacant lands, as well as unauthorised industrial premises operating in the vicinity.
Kuala Langat Zone Three councillor Abu Bakar Mohamad, who moderated the town hall, said he hoped the session would help address the challenges faced by the government agencies during enforcement operations, including resistance from landowners and operators.
“Some would let their guard dogs roam the area to scare away enforcement personnel. There have also been times when we arrived for operations and the burning had stopped.
“This complicates matters because we need to catch them in the act to be able to document the proof and take action,” he said.
In response to residents documenting open burning activities, Abu Bakar said such efforts are welcomed, but authorities still needed to carry out formal investigations.
Meanwhile, Sepang Environment Department head Halmy Sirat said that issuing compounds could take time as each case has to be referred to the Deputy Public Prosecutor first.
“This process can take up to six months. We will first instruct the offenders to carry out remedial measures to ensure the burning does not recur. If they fail to comply or repeat the offence, they will be charged,” he said.
Additionally, MPKL noted that some open burning sites were located in remote and hard-to-reach areas, hampering enforcement and clean-up efforts.
The local authority has issued 277 warnings and 226 notices for open burning and illegal dumping between 2024 and June 2026, while seizing 25 vehicles believed to have been used in illegal activities.
