Sungai Sedu residents were again placated with flimsy promises by Selangor state councilors who hardly presented a viable solution to their problems . The meeting to discuss the status of the Sungai Sedu landfill was held on Jan 27 at the Sungai Manggis community hall, which is approximately two kilometres from the ‘infamous’ dump site.

The meeting was arranged by the Kuala Langat Municipal Council (MDKL). Two state councilors Abdul Fatah and Ei Kim Hock (also MDKL councilor), MDKL President Tuan Mohd Ahir Haji Zawawi and representatives from Alam Flora, the Environment Department (Selangor) and NGOs were in attendance.

Even before the meeting started, a petition was handed to the organisers about a boycott of the meeting by some residents of Sungai Sedu. This was pointed out by Abdul Fatah before he began his speech, claiming that the issue was being politicised by certain quarters. Nevertheless, it was obvious that the community was not completely represented. In fact, an MIC representative and his supporters from the area made up the quorum.

Next, Ei Kim Hock reiterated about the number of times he had visited the area and how he had earned the displeasure of his wife as he reeked of a foul stench when he returned home. He also mentioned that he had lobbied the state government to act on the complaints of the residents but to no avail. He ended his speech with a cordial invitation to his Chinese New Year open house function.

Abdul Fatah was impressive with his facts and figures and managed to convince the audience that Sungai Sedu was the only solution to the mounting waste management crisis in Selangor. He mentioned that Sungai Sedu was currently accommodating 250 tonnes of waste from MDKL and another 150 tonnes from Kajang Municipal Council. This is in contrary to a report which quoted more than 400 tonnes being transferred to Sungai Sedu.

Finally, he delineated the problems that resulted in the Sungai Sedu fiasco, which were the increase of waste which was being transported from Kajang Municipal Council, lack of laterite for reclamation and decay of the waste being transported. Alam Flora was made the scapegoat of the situation for not maintaining the landfill in accordance to the regulation, and was further threatened with hefty fines. On the other hand, the state government was awaiting the completion of another operational landfill in Mukim Tanjung 12 which will be operational in another two to four months. This will bring about the closure of the landfill in Sungai Sedu but this is only possible with the approval of the project by the Environment Department (DOE).

Meanwhile, the steps that were proposed for Sungai Sedu are as follows: MDKL will make surprise checks of the landfill operations to ensure adherence to regulations, more enzyme will be sprayed to control the stench, more laterite will be made available for reclamation and Alam Flora will be slapped with higher fines.

Unfortunately, the more important issues were conveniently skimmed over by the esteemed YBs. For example, why did the Selangor state government wait so long before it attempted to alleviate the plight of these hapless residents? Why didn't MDKL fine Alam Flora for doing such a lousy job in the first place? Why did MDKL agree to allow an excess of waste (400 tonnes and more) to be transferred to Sungai Sedu when clearly it was not able to accommodate the excess?

Why wasn't there a residential buffer zone for the Sungai Sedu landfill? How did DOE approve such a project which posed an environmental hazard to the local community? Why did the councilors have such an important meeting in Sungai Manggis rather than in Sungai Sedu? Perhaps they were afraid to spoil their appetite for the sumptuous dinner that was served for the attendees of the meeting afterwards.

I still feel the state has adopted a high-handed manner in dealing with the issue. There should be a sincere commitment to educate the rakyat about the state's plans. These cosmetic measures may provide wonderful photo opportunities for the politicians, but it is the rakyat who have to stomach the filth and stench. They have an inalienable right to live in a clean and safe environment, it is the responsibility of the state to ensure this.