SHAH ALAM, 15 Mar: The state government is continuing to monitor problems that are plaguing about 500 residents at Kamoung Sungai Serai, Kajang, who have complained of shortness of breath due to open burning in the area.

The Exco for Tourism, Environment and Consumer Affairs, Elizabeth Wong, said that the activity is still under observation so that such things do not recur even though relevant parties have taken action.

“I am informed that the fire department has put out the fire and the Kajang Municipal Council (MPKj) has seized the garbage truck. However, we will continuously monitor the problem on an ongoing basis so that it does not recur,” she said when contacted by Selangor Kini.

Elizabeth said that the state government will take decisive action against any individual or group that is defiant.

“Anyone who continues to be stubborn will be charged in court and punished if found guilty with a maximum fine of RM500,000 or a maximum jail sentence of five year,” she said.

Elizabeth considers this a serious problem and can cause health problems to the nearby residents.

“We do not the matter to cause insecurity among the residents, leading to their health being affected,” she said.

Prior to this, a newspaper report informed about illegal dumping activities near the homes of the residents that was detected about a year before the open burning, believed to have been done to dispose the piles of rubbish, was carried out.

“The thick smoke that enveloped the village caused come residents to seek treatment and be warded in hospital for several days due to shortness of breath,” she said.

She said that the burning began in the evening and went well into the night. In fact, the smell of the smoke filled the air until noon.

NS