The Kedah Department of Environment (DOE) has vowed to take action against those responsible for operating an illegal domestic waste disposal site discovered in Bukit Selambau, Kuala Muda.
DOE director Sharifah Zakiah Syed Sahab said the unlicensed dumpsite was detected during a routine drone surveillance operation aimed at identifying potential pollution sources. The site—located on a former mining land in Kampung Pokok Machang—covers approximately 2,500 square metres and was found to contain domestic and solid waste.
Investigations revealed that the dumping activities were conducted without the required written approval from the Director-General of Environmental Quality. The illegal disposal is believed to involve contractors transporting waste from industrial areas in Kuala Muda.
Sharifah Zakiah warned that illegal waste dumping poses serious risks, including soil and water contamination, with potential harm to the ecosystem and public health. She noted that the site sits above a drinking water intake point, and any contamination could threaten water supply to Kuala Muda if treatment plants are forced to shut down.
The case is being investigated under Regulation 4(1) of the Environmental Quality (Control of Pollution from Solid Waste Transfer Stations and Landfill) Regulations 2009, which prohibits the construction or operation of disposal facilities that may cause leachate discharge without proper notification.
If convicted, offenders face fines of up to RM100,000, imprisonment of up to five years, or both, with an additional RM1,000 for each day the offence continues after a stop-work notice.
She stressed that the DOE maintains a strict stance on enforcing environmental compliance and that any parties found guilty will face serious consequences.
The case has also been referred to the Solid Waste and Public Cleansing Management Corporation (SWCorp) for further enforcement and monitoring. The department encourages the public to report any pollution-related activities.
