MELAKA: The process of expanding the capacity of the Sungai Udang landfill, which is expected to be completed by July 2023, with the hopes of avoiding another waste disposal crisis similar to what happened five years ago.

       Melaka housing, local government and environment committee chairman Datuk Zaidi Attan said the new field was expected to last for ten years.

       "During this period, we will also expedite the construction of waste-to-energy system at the site as planned," he said after attending a press-conference and Iftar (breaking of fast) event organised by SWM Environment Sdn Bhd at a leading hotel here on Wednesday (April 27).

       The new sanitary landfill is reported to be sitting on a large tract of land in a bid to minimise any incidents of insufficient space for waste disposal in the future.

       In August 2017, the Sungai Udang sanitary landfill, which received more than 1,000 tonnes of waste per day, faced a major crisis when it was filled to the brim.

       The situation was then blamed on the failure in its material recovery facility where no separation was made on the waste at an earlier stage before sending it to the landfill.

       The Sungai Udang landfill site began operations in April 2015, following the closure of the 25.5-hectare landfill in Krubong, at the end of 2014.

       In the same year, the Federal Government ordered an internal investigation on the alleged mismanagement of Sungai Udang landfill following its shortened life expectancy.

       The then Urban Wellbeing, Housing and Local Government Minister Tan Sri Noh Omar ordered an internal audit would be carried out to determine why the 4.05 hectare Sungai Udang landfill reached its maximum capacity, although it was supposed to have a five-year lifespan from the time it began its operations in 2014.

       On a separate note, Zaidi said SWM Environment would place 87 garbage bins at areas categorised as hotspots here during the Hari-Raya festive season.

       He said focus on waste collections would also be intensified at tourist hotspots in the state.

       Zaidi also cautioned that punitive actions can be initiated against litterbugs.

       "Enforcement officers from all four local councils will be also patrolling housing estates and commercial areas to look for those indiscriminately disposing of waste," he added.