Residents of Bukit Rahman Putra in Sungai Buloh, Selangor, have long contended with foul odors emanating from an extensive illegal dumpsite situated on private land near a railway track alongside Jalan Matang Pagar. The issue escalated following a significant fire at the site on September 6, which raised concerns over health risks from toxic fumes and prompted urgent appeals for immediate government intervention.

The dumpsite, previously concealed behind dense vegetation, was exposed after the surrounding greenery was cleared for gardening activities. This clearing revealed large piles of waste visible from nearby homes, intensifying residents’ unease over environmental and health hazards.

Several local residents report severe effects linked to the fumes. Ooi See Eim, who lives in Saujana Akasia, described the fire as substantial, generating thick smoke that enveloped the neighborhood. “What we want now is for the authorities to shut down the site permanently,” she said. Similarly, Anisa Rakim, who runs a nursing home for elderly residents in the area, stated that the persistent haze has forced them to cancel outdoor activities. Some residents have developed persistent coughs and eye irritation due to the poor air quality.

Residents also voiced concerns about possible industrial waste at the site. WL Wong, a former electronics factory technician living nearby in Taman Sri Putra, noted a chemical odor consistent with the burning of electronic waste. Reports indicate that waste disposal typically occurs at night, with heavily loaded lorries entering through Jalan BRP 7 and traveling along a muddy 1.5-kilometer track to the secluded area to unload refuse under cover of darkness.

Attempts to resolve the problem have spanned decades. Ong Chau Oh, past president of the Saujana Akasia Residents Association, noted that complaints have been submitted to authorities since at least 2000 without permanent resolution. Residents expressed particular sympathy for security personnel exposed to the hazardous environment daily.

The fire on September 6 required a coordinated response involving units from the Sungai Buloh and Bukit Jelutong Fire Stations. Firefighters battled the blaze for three days, using excavators provided by Selayang Municipal Council (MPS) to break apart deep-seated layers of burning waste. After containment, the site was handed over to the MPS Quick Response Team for further management.

In response, the Sungai Buloh Parliamentary Constituency Service Centre reaffirmed its commitment to addressing illegal dumping and mitigating risks to health and safety, emphasizing ongoing monitoring and coordination with MPS and relevant agencies.

Paya Jaras assemblyman Datuk Dr Ab Halim Tamuri has called on the state government for a comprehensive investigation into the landowner and operators. He urged strict enforcement against any proven legal breaches and flagged related public health concerns, including fly infestations in adjacent neighborhoods and stagnant water near the site that could harbor Aedes mosquitoes.

MPS confirmed the dumpsite is on private land and acknowledged receipt of 10 formal complaints from local residents’ associations. The council has issued 12 compounds and impounded several lorries involved in illegal dumping and open burning. To prevent further activity, MPS has planned to excavate and block the entrance used by heavy vehicles.

Legal actions are being pursued under Section 80 of the Local Government Act 1976 and relevant rubbish disposal bylaws, with penalties including fines up to RM2,000, imprisonment up to one year, and additional daily fines for ongoing offenses.

Residents continue to demand a comprehensive environmental cleanup of the area to remove residual toxins, eliminate vector breeding grounds, and reduce future fire risks.