KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 23 — Several contractors who had dumped garbage indiscriminately along the Middle Ring Road 2 (MRR2) in Kepong over the weekend had no choice but to leave it by the road.
Mayor Datuk Seri Ahmad Phesal Talib said the action by the contractors was as a result of the closure of the Taman Beringin Transfer Station.
“They (the contractors) were waiting for the gates at the Taman Beringin Transfer Station to open but after waiting for some time, they decided to leave the waste by the roadside,” he said.
The indiscriminate disposal of garbage along the MRR2 caused traffic congestion, and stench that lasted for three days.
Ahmad Phesal said the contractors were transporting waste from several hotels and supermarkets in the city.
He declined to reveal their names, saying the matter was being investigated.
“The Taman Beringin Transfer Station has been facing problems since 2011 after Umpan Jaya Sdn Bhd was appointed by City Hall to manage it,” Ahmad Phesal said.
“Due to the inability and incapability of the company, they were unable to operate the station as expected.
“City Hall had taken the initiative to assist Umpan Jaya but many problems, including poor management of the transfer station and the lack of maintained garbage disposal trucks, hampered the effort.”
Ahmad Phesal said a meeting was held between City Hall and the Solid Waste Management Department and Umpan Jaya last week to find a solution.
“During the meeting, Umpan Jaya agreed to surrender the activities to Alam Flora Sdn Bhd,” he said.
He said Umpan Jaya’s contract would expire in March and temporary measures taken to manage the transfer station.
A new contractor would be appointed to manage the transfer station.
Urban Wellbeing, Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Abdul Rahman Dahlan said his department was investigating the matter.
“My team is looking into the provisions breached by the contractors. If they are found to be guilty, action will be taken against them,” he said.
Checks by The Malay Mail showed the “dumping ground” along the MRR2 had been cleared yesterday afternoon.
