I write to you out of frustration towards the Selangor state government’s apathy, specifically Menteri Besar Mohd Khir Toyo's nonchalance in handling the Sungai Sedu landfill dumpsite issue. I will detail all the events that have happened thus far to bring you up to date with the problems faced by the community there.

The problem started about eight years ago when the Sungai Sedu locality was relegated to a landfill dump site. Residents have been subjected to the foul stench emanating from the dump site. Flies and other pests persist in the area. The poor community has been exposed to various health risks all these years.

As reported recently , the MIC representative of the area organised a protest which was attended by at least 100 people. They handed a memorandum to Khir Toyo urging him to take appropriate action. But the MB only had this to say to the beleaguered community: ‘I urge the Sungai Sedu and Banting people to bear with us a little bit longer. I ensure them that their problem will be solved in months to come’.

That community predominantly comprises of average or lower income groups. They have no recourse but to bear with the indignity of living next to the dump. The newly-proposed dump site is apparently awaiting an Environmental Impact Assessment approval and has a 100-acre buffer zone. Why wasn't an EIA report required when the state government relegated Sungai Sedu as a dump site?

Why must this area be so near Sungai Langat which is already severely polluted? I called the Environment Department’s hotline to complain about the situation. Apparently no report has been made about the situation. If so, who will hold irresponsible parties accountable for their inaction and neglect? I plan to bring this matter up to the Environment Department, the area’s elected representative Ei Kim Hock as well as the public.

I wonder if the honourable MB would tolerate a dump site across his fence? The state government should do more than come up with apologetic rhetoric. This does nothing for those who have been aggrieved.