Need better ways to curb dumping

A PHOTOGRAPH published in a daily showing a huge pile of garbage dumped by the roadside opposite a row of shop-houses in Sepang caught my attention.

Reading the report, I gathered the Sepang Municipal Council had spent RM300,000 to clear rubbish that was littered or dumped in residential areas this year.

This is on top of the RM1mil spent on enforcement and cleaning activities in the outskirts, where there are 19 such hotspots, many in isolated areas that are hard to reach.

The council must have run out of ideas and resources in combating this menace, as it turned to the state government for help.

Its president Datuk Puasa Md Taib disclosed that the council even introduced stricter enforcement and fines of up to RM1,000 for offenders.

But the measures are inadequate.

First, closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras could be installed at sites close to residences and businesses frequently used for illegal dumping.

A warning sign is enough to deter most culprits, but those indifferent would be captured by the cameras. Offenders could then be traced and summoned.

Likewise, lorries laden with garbage heading towards illegal dump sites could also be recorded by hidden cameras installed at strategic spots.

Even if such video or photo evidence is not admissible, it would check illegal dumping activities, as defendants would have to appear in court or lose the case.

Most defendants would rather pay a compound fine which is cheaper than engaging the services of a lawyer to defend them.

Businesses must also be held accountable if the industrial or bulk wastes generated by them are not properly disposed.

If there is no existing law for this, then the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment should introduce such a bill to parliament.

If there is already such a provision, then the ministry must work hand-in-hand with local authorities to stamp out illegal dumping. It is a shame if lawbreakers keep getting away easily.

YS CHAN Kuala Lumpur