Indiscriminate dumping inviting rats, snake in Kepong

Illegal rubbish dumping at Jalan Burung Tiong in Kepong is putting the public at risk.

Shop owner Ng Sook Yee said for the past eight years, she had witnessed indiscriminate rubbish dumping through the day at the wheelie bin in front of her store.

She said the items discarded, including paper, broken furniture, durian husks, spoiled fruits and vegetables, chicken and prawn waste, attracted rodents.

“The daytime market operators and residents around here have not maintained cleanliness and do not dispose of waste properly.

“Two days ago, a huge python entered our shop.

“I suspect it is because there are a lot of rats due to the rubbish,” she said.

The foul smell from the waste also bothers nearby residents and business owners.

“The smell is so bad that it is affecting businesses in the area, and we can no longer stand this.

“Many of our customers have complained about the odour, and we are concerned that it might affect our business,” she added.

Ng sought the help of community activist Yee Poh Ping to raise their concerns to Solid Waste Management and Public Cleansing Corporation (SWCorp).

“Business operators and residents must learn to maintain cleanliness by using the bins provided.

“We have urged SWCorp to take immediate action to clear this area promptly,” said Yee.

Yee also said that despite daily waste collection by Alam Flora, rubbish accumulation had not decreased.

According to Alam Flora, each market operator is allocated a bin for waste disposal but it appears that none of them are making use of them.

“As long as the wheelie bin remains there, people including outsiders will continue throwing waste there.

“Therefore, to prevent any overflow of rubbish, the bin should be removed,” said Yee.

“Alternative solutions need to be explored to resolve this issue.”

In the meantime, SWCorp has agreed to remove the wheelie bin and clean the area.

“We will promptly remove the bin and instal a signboard prohibiting waste disposal in that location,” said an SWCorp officer.

Alam Flora will be tasked with ensuring that business operators and residents dispose of rubbish appropriately.