The Selangor government has pledged to bring the culprits who dumped chemical drums at an illegal dumpsite in Kampung Tambak Jaya, Kuala Selangor to book.

This came after 244 chemical drums caught fire early yesterday morning.

The state executive councillor for local government, public transport and new village development Ng Sze Han said an investigation into the fire and explosion incident will be coordinated by the Selangor Disaster Management Unit (UPBN).

The illegal dumpsite was discovered by the Kuala Langat District Council on Nov 20, Ng told the New Straits Times.

“The drums cannot be immediately removed as we are waiting for the lab results (to determine the chemical substance contained inside). If it is scheduled waste, it has to be disposed of properly by Kualiti Alam," he said, adding they were still determining the cause of the incident.

“The relevant authorities have taken all the preventive measures to minimise risks at the site. For safety purposes, I urge the public to keep away from the area.” 

Meanwhile, Selangor Department of Environment director Shafee Yasin said a preliminary investigation showed the drums contained paints and solvents.

“We suspect that the chemical waste may be discarded paint and solvents. It is not hazardous but highly flammable,” he said, adding that samples of the chemicals have been sent to the Chemistry Department to be analysed.

“A more in-depth analysis will be carried out by the department to ascertain whether it is scheduled waste or otherwise. Once the report is out, it will be disposed of accordingly,” he was quoted by the New Straits Times as saying.

Shafee said the authority was determining the identity of the factory operator who dumped these drums.

“The drum owners can be charged under Section 34B of the Environmental Quality Act 1974 for prohibition against placing scheduled waste. One is liable to a fine of up to RM500,000, imprisonment or both if found guilty,” he added. 

In a statement, UPBN said the cleaning of the site will take approximately a week.

UPBN said Kualiti Alam Sdn Bhd, which specialised in the management of scheduled waste, will carry out cleaning works after forensics investigations have been concluded.