The solid waste transfer station in Taman Beringin, Jinjang which was temporarily closed because of a damaged compact machine, is expected to reopen this Saturday.

Its closure resulted in garbage contractors dumping tonnes of garbage on the shoulder of Middle Ring Road 2 (MRR2) near Kepong which caused bad traffic congestion and raised a stink in the area.

Urban Wellbeing, Housing and Local Government Minister Abdul Rahman Dahlan said the contractors would not get paid as they had taken the easy way out which flouted the law.

“We are identifying the contractors involved,” he said in a statement yesterday, adding they faced a penalty of not less than RM10,000 and not exceeding RM100,000 or jail from six months to five years, or both.

In a statement on Saturday, Abdul Rahman said following the temporary closure of the station, the garbage collected would be sent directly to the landfill in Bukit Tagar.

The National Solid Waste Management Department (JPSPN) and the Solid Waste Management and Public Cleansing Corporation (PPSPA) had mobilised a contingency plan in the event of a disruption in garbage collection.

This include patrolling of all the areas of operation by ensuring no garbage was left behind and mobilising periodical monitorings in Kuala Lumpur and the areas near the transfer station.

Efforts would also be carried out to prevent any quarters from dumping garbage near the MRR2 via enforcement, and getting enforcement personnel from Pahang and Negri Sembilan to be stationed in the Klang Valley.

Other measures were reporting the latest situation every hour to inform all concerned parties, and to coordinate cooperation between Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) and agencies under the ministry.

- Bernama