BY LIZAWATI MADFA
SHAH ALAM, JUNE 9: Accusations by Urban Wellbeing, Housing and Local Government Minister, Tan Sri Noh Omar regarding the illegal landfill in Sungai Merab, Sepang is clearly unfounded and malicious.
Tourism, Environment, Green Technology and Consumer Affairs Exco, Elizabeth Wong said, the State Disaster Unit has coordinated and helped bomba in the three-acres site since last May.
She said, the initiative is carried out through Operasi Bersepadu involving other agencies such as Sepang Municipal Council (MPSP), Malaysia Royal Police Force (PDRM) and Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (APMM).
“80 officers are involved in this operation and RM360,000 have been spent to rent machinery, pumps, mobile toilets, excavators and a special extinguishing substance called the PeatFireX.
“The Selangor Environmental Department (JAS) has also started investigating and reports have been handed over to Attorney-General for review in order to take legal action against the land owner.
“The Operasi Bersepadu ended last May 26, but until today (yesterday), the State Disaster Unit is monitoring the site, everyday,” she said in a statement.
Wong said that there are no more waste being dumped on the site since May, however on June 3, there were underground-burning residue which was under control and succesfully extinguished by the agencies.
She said, the State Government has also drafted short and long-term solutions including issuing Form 7A to land owners to make them clean and restore the lot.
“Of the land owners refuse to act, the State Government will takeover the land. At the same time, we hope the AG’s office can bring this case to court as soon as possible,” she said.
Wong also advised Noh to refer to the Local Government, New Village Development and Illegal Factory Legalisation Exco, Ean Yong Hian Wah to get further details on the landfill issue.
“I also would like to advise Noh to change his attitude that is always slandering Dato’ Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali.
“He needs to be more professional in accordance with his status as a cabinet minister,” she said.
Last May 7, Noh who is also Tanjong Karang Member of Parliament was reported to slam Dato’ Menteri Besar, Dato’ Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali whom he claimed to be silent on the illegal landfill issue.
