THE Local Government Development Ministry, in collaboration with the Malaysian Space Agency (Mysa), has been applying space technology (remote sensing) to accurately track the location of illegal waste disposal sites throughout the country.

Its minister Nga Kor Ming said so far, 86 illegal rubbish dumps have been successfully shut down, and it is expected that his target of closing 100 illegal dumping sites within his first 100 days heading the ministry will be achieved in the near future.

“The issue of solid waste management should be examined in detail and resolved immediately.

“Failure to deal with this issue can have a negative impact on cleanliness in local areas, affecting the quality of health and the sustainability of the environment,” he said.

He said his ministry has urged state governments and local authorities to work with the Solid Waste Management and Public Cleaning Corporation (SWCorp) to strengthen monitoring and enforcement strategies to ensure lands are not being encroached upon to act as illegal waste dumps.

He said his ministry has established a special task force to scrutinise all issues related to solid waste management so they can be resolved immediately and in a holistic manner. 

He said he chaired the first task force meeting yesterday, which was attended by various departments and agencies, including the Environment Department, Mysa, and SWCorp. 

“The creation of this task force proves that the ministry is committed to implementing all actions towards more effective and efficient solid waste management (measures).

“Control and enforcement will be carried out throughout the country, with focus on Selangor as the first state that will ensure implementation of this effort,” said Nga. – Bernama, February 1, 2023.